Corporación Masaveu takes another step forward in its diversification process
Corporación Masaveu has become a shareholder in the parent company of a group which is carrying out a pioneer forestry development project in the Amazon. The project holds a dual national and international forestry development permit, particularly for Brazilian mogno (mahogany). This luxury product has been granted special international protection; in order to obtain permission to harvest the wood, the production method employed must undergo a rigorous accreditation process, to ensure that it strictly complies with the principles of environmental conservation and sustainability. The “floresta” (forest in Portuguese), covers an area of 190,200 hectares and is situated between the Brazilian states of Acre and Amazonas. The project will run for a maximum period of 30 years. Sustainability is the cornerstone of this initiative; the trees can only be cut down if their diameter is over 50cm (60 cm for mahogany) and they are near the end of their lifespan, “mother” trees are always respected and logging is based on the so-called UPAS forestry system (the forest is divided into 30 plots), guaranteeing a natural regeneration process, without the need for reforestation of any kind. Together with its size, the aforementioned factors set this project apart from all other forest holdings in the country. Worldwide, Brazil has the largest area of rainforest intended for logging and also the greatest wealth in flora; however, a mere 8% of the area is managed in a sustainable manner, causing considerable damage to the environment.
Paradoxical as it may seem, the concession of permits for forestry development in the Amazon, under the principles of responsibility and sustainability, has become the best form of protecting the forest from large-scale, indiscriminate and illegal logging. Furthermore, many importing countries are becoming ever more conscious of the preservation of the environment and demand proof that logging has been carried out in a legal manner, in most cases favouring those companies which uphold sustainable logging methods, thus awarding this forestry development project a clear competitive advantage in the market.
Also worth highlighting is that the trees may only be cut down during the dry season; between the beginning of May and the end of October. The wood will be transported by road and by waterway, along the Purus River which runs alongside a floresta boasting 100 different species of trees, of which 18 dominate and 10 are more relevant from a commercial point of view.
The company intends to export to the world’s major wood-consuming countries; the United States, Europe and China, whilst part of the production will be sold in Brazil. The initiative is strongly supported by the authorities of Acre due to its sustainability and the jobs it will create locally. Furthermore, a collaboration protocol is currently being drawn up, outlining the different forms of assistance which the local government will offer in order to contribute to the project’s success.
Published 6/20/14