Six reasons why community engagement is important

Forestland Investments Six reasons why community engagement is the key to responsible forestry

Six reasons why community engagement is important

Forestry isn’t just about managing trees – it’s also about nurturing ecosystems and supporting local communities.

When it comes to managing our 495,000 hectares of forestland we see community engagement as a key component. We believe in working with local stakeholders to create a shared vision for the future of the forests, fostering trust and building lasting relationships.

Want to read about the other two pillars of our responsible forest management approach? Learn about conservation and biodiversity, and regeneration, reforestation and afforestation.

1. It improves forest management

Local communities often have a deep, generational understanding of their environment. By involving them in our forest management plans, we integrate this valuable knowledge into our operations.

Aotearoa New Zealand
We acknowledge Māori as tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our approach to engaging with Iwi and Hapu (Māori tribes and sub-groups) is based on collaboration and long-term relationships.
- In Southland with Hokonui Rūnanga, we have involved the local Iwi in growing and planting native seedlings and possum control, establishing a relationship agreement.
- With Ngati Awa in the North Island, we are working on a Memorandum of Understanding as we own and manage lands next door to each other. Our aspirations to manage the kiwi population and restore the whenua (land) closely align.
- At our Huiarua property 40 people currently live and work on the property, with ongoing forest work planned for the next decade.

2. It enhances protection of biodiversity and ecosystems

Forests are more than just timber – they’re vital ecosystems that provide clean water and air, biodiversity, and carbon storage. By working closely with local conservation organisations, we implement biodiversity studies, habitat mapping, and monitoring programs to help protect these ecosystems.

3. It creates shared responsibility and trust

Community engagement is about more than just consultation; it’s about building long-term relationships and trust. With a collaborative approach that involves local communities in decision-making, we want to encourage a shared investment in the health of the forests.

Aotearoa New Zealand
- In South Otago, our managers and staff are local residents, deeply connected to the area.
- After Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, we supported the communities by providing housing for families whose homes were damaged, further strengthening our relationship with the area.

4. It supports economic and social equity

Forests should benefit the people who depend on them. We create jobs with fair wages and safe working conditions, contributing to local economies. Our partners are held to the highest industry standards, ensuring that they follow globally recognised credible certification systems that protect workers' safety and rights. Co-workers and contractors in our forestland operations are required to be paid at or above the applicable living wage or sector minimum, in line with ILO Core Labour Standards. Our partners must comply with the Forest Stewardship Council's social and labour requirements and our Terms of engagement. Compliance is audited annually, both internally and externally.

Aotearoa New Zealand
- At our Huiarua property, we work closely with Mata School, which has grown from three to over ten children since we began managing the property.
- We’ve supported the establishment of Te Huiarua Puna Ora Wellness Centre, which provides vital support to families in need in the Tairawhiti Gisborne Region.
Romania
- All our earnings are reinvested to foster new ventures within our Romanian branch.
- The team work closely with local communities, establishing partnerships to support local entrepreneurship including offering truffle harvesting rights and involving local companies in our daily forest operations.
- Over 90% of our operations are supported by local businesses and we support more than 750 jobs in the logging and transportation sectors across 105 local communities.
- We have also taken the step to establish our own in-house forestry team. In addition to the operational efficiencies, it allows us more control over working standards.

5. It encourages recreation and environmental stewardship

Forests aren’t just for resources; they are spaces for recreation and connection with nature. By opening our forests for activities like hiking, birdwatching and community programs, we encourage connection between people and the environment. We hope this not only improves community well-being, but also promotes a culture of stewardship and encourages responsibility for forest preservation.

Romania
- Since 2020, Ingka Investments Romania has invested EUR 310,000 into community involvement programs including educational and social projects, firewood donations, and the inauguration of a 7km educational forest trail in collaboration with Natura 2000 administrator and local NGOs.
- The Forest Management Project, an online program for 124 students from 11 high schools in 2020, aimed to familiarise participants with modern forest management, showing how technology supports sustainable forestry.
- The Women in Forestry program, developed by Junior Achievement Romania and supporting by Ingka Investments Romania, demonstrates that women have a crucial role in protecting and managing natural resources and that the future of forestry can be more diverse and inclusive. 450 students from 16 schools participated in this program.
Latvia
- In May 2024, our Latvian team participated in ‘Forest ABC’, one of the largest educational forestry events aimed at schoolchildren and families. Participants learned about the full forestry cycle including the importance of responsible harvesting.
- In April 2024, our team also took part in the ‘Come with us, let’s go to the forest!’ event in Cēsis, where forestry specialists introduced around 1,200–1,400 visitors to key forest management practices, from tree seeds to wildlife and forest harvesting.
- We also support local communities by donating firewood, organising forest planting events for children, and making monetary donations to youth organisations and women’s crisis centers across the Baltics.

6. It ensures transparency and accountability

We publicly share our forest management plans and engage regularly with local communities. By staying accountable and adhering to third-party certifications, we maintain ethical and sustainable practices.