Creating Long-Term Value For Business and Society
Eagle Ridge Paper and our suppliers have extended a commitment, not only to environmental sustainability, but to encompass the maintenance and improvement of economic and social viability in operating areas.
Our suppliers in Indonesia, a country where 35 million people live below the poverty line, employ around 80,000 people directly and provide livelihoods to many more indirectly, including supporting community projects and small to medium size enterprises. The fact remains that the largest cause of illegal forestry in developing countries is poverty and in Indonesia. it is important that we continue to drive a balanced approach to poverty alleviation and environmental protection.
Eagle Ridge Paper stands ready to work with all stakeholders who share our objectives of balanced sustainable development in Indonesia. A multi-stakeholder approach grounded in science, engendered with mutual trust, and in adherence with the national and local laws and regulations of Indonesia are preconditions for the development of sustainable projects. Our chosen suppliers, whether in Indonesia or China, have worked to implement myriad education, training, medical care, and empowerment programs for local communities.
To ensure that the rights of indigenous communities are respected, Eagle Ridge Paper and our suppliers enforce a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to monitor and resolve social issues within the communities in which we operate. The stronger our relations are with local communities, the greater the opportunities to resolve emerging community issues and reduce the number and scale of potential conflicts. This approach also creates opportunities to introduce important programs such as community fire fighting, community centers and nurseries, and joint management of conservation areas. In fact, many of the issues related to land use involve complex socio-economic demographics and population movements. The SOP is an integral part of the independently audited legality verification systems.
Also, we require a strict policy of purchasing materials only from any suppliers that can demonstrate legality in its operations with regards to social regulations and international labor agreements such as International Labor Organization (ILO). Respect for local communities is a critical aspect of our corporate social responsibility, and we are proud to have contributed towards more than 120,000 current direct jobs for people in Indonesia and China.
