Corporate Social Investment
reaching out beyond the trees
Forestry is more than just trees, it is about the individuals and communities that it touches too.
The human and social responsibility legacy of our sector is something we are incredibly proud of. Through forestry we are able to uplift and upskill our workforce, enabling them to progress in the workplace and at home, with the number of people dependent on those working in the forest industry is far greater than the workforce we employ – this is called the multiplier effect.
Whats more, the industry’s impact on these communities goes far beyond simply direct and indirect employment. For over two decades, the sector has been investing in social initiatives, that have evolved from being charity based – giving when you have a little extra – to an intentional efforts to create valuable and sustained positive change for broader communities in the rural areas where our plantations are situated. As a result, many FSA members have actively re-engineered their markets, products and value chains to benefit local economic development by creating businesses owned and managed by locals.
Key CSI Areas
Community Infrastructure
These are initiatives focusing on servicing rural communities through the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, education facilities, libraries, clinics, churches and residential structures.
Education
By investing in promoting education and artisan skills we are nurturing tomorrow’s talent pool. With emphasis placed on prioritising funding for Early Childhood Development, which has been proven to be the most effective means of building capacity in the youth.
Engagement and Upliftment
By providing support, guidance and engagement to initiatives that aid the growth and development of communities, ties are being formed between these communities and the private sector that will build stronger communities for future generations.
Enterprise and Supplier Development
Assisting communities to establish forestry-related businesses, initiating all forms of enterprise that deliver numerous products and services to forestry companies and communties.
Environment
Properly managed and developed, the patchwork forestry landscape that includes great swathes of natural ecosystems, could have a key role in the protection and conservation of ecological services and biodiversity.
Food Security
These are projects addressing the availability and access to a healthy diet. Food security in rural communities is a major challenge with adults and children going to bed hungry which negatively impacts performance at work and school, quality of life and health.
Health and Welfare
The focus is on removing the barriers to accessing health care services in the rural communities that are the home base for the industry’s workforce and plantation neighbours. As well as providing awareness around key healthcare issues and their management, such as HIV/Aids.
Recreation
Increased emphasis is being placed on being outdoors in nature and improved mental and physical health. The forestry landscape provides many forms of outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities that provide wellbeing.
FSA's CSI Narrative
