Join SFI’s E-Summit on October 22nd

This year, SFI is hosting a one-day E-Summit on October 22 to bring our network together to engage around the work SFI is doing across its 4 pillars to achieve our mission of advancing sustainability through forest-focused collaborations.

Full event registration is $150 CAD (approximately $120 USD). For more information and registration details please click below.

Providing Better Choices for the Planet

Kathy Abusow, President and CEO, SFI

SFI has been a leader in sustainable forest management through our standards for 25 years. But in recent years SFI has built on its successes and evolved into a solutions oriented sustainability organization. Learn about our evolution and how our network, expertise and scale is engaging the next generation of forest and conservation leaders so that SFI will continue to increase our impact for the next 25 years.

Reaching New Customers

Bruce Anderson, Partner, Spark Advocacy & Chairman Abacus Data

Learn more about recent consumer research that shows significant preference in the market for SFI on-product labels, compared to either no label or competitor labels. Preview some tools to engage new audiences on how SFI is advancing shared global goals such as climate action, reduced waste, conservation of biodiversity, education of future generations, and sustainable economic development.

Standards Revision and the Impact of Label Statements

Jason Metnick, SVP, Customer Affairs, SFI

Suzanne Shelton, President and CEO, Shelton Group

SFI standards have become the fastest growing, most highly trusted solution that can support a growing need for products from the forest. SFI’s role in the supply chain ensures that properly managed forests will continue to play a crucial role in keeping the planet healthy. Get insights about how consumers are viewing key global issues and how certification labels and key messages resonate. In addition, SFI staff will provide an update on the revisions to the SFI Standards and discuss key topics that are under revision such as forest conservation, climate smart forestry, and logger training.

Conservation Impact – Collaborating on Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Water Quality

Paul Trianosky, Chief Conservation Officer, SFI

Mike Parr, President, American Bird Conservancy and SFI Board Member

SFI’s conservation work helps ensure science-based evolution of the SFI Standards thereby improving conservation outcomes across the SFI landscape. Gain new perspectives on SFI’s Conservation Impact projects and how collaborations with universities and ENGOs, are helping SFI and partners develop information and tools that will illustrate the outcomes of SFI’s work in the areas of climate change, water quality and biodiversity. Findings from the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) will illustrate some specific contributions of SFI certified lands to bird species at risk. We’ll also share key findings in an effort to align the SFI Standards and conservation leadership, with examples to illustrate how our scale and breadth are leveraged to advance conservation.

How Forest Sector Professionals Can Support Forest Literacy for Youth

Esther Cowles, VP, Education, SFI

Amy Grow, Manager of Community Engagement, International Paper

Laura Six, Plant Ecologist, Weyerhaeuser

Terry Baker, CEO, Society of American Foresters

Tinelle Bustam, Director, Conservation Education, US Forest Service

SFI’s education work, led by our flagship program Project Learning Tree, guides our commitment to raising the next generation of sustainability and conservation leaders. SFI and numerous forest sector stakeholders believe scaling PLT is an important component for SFI’s future growth. With numerous tools in the pipeline, PLT features new resources to teach youth audiences about our forests. An uptick in demand for PLT tools during Covid-19 has reinforced the market need for activities that get kids outside and learning about the natural world. Several key funders will discuss how they have benefited from partnering with PLT.

Building Bridges for the Next Generation of Forest and Conservation Leaders

Tara Topping, Manager, Career Education, SFI

Catherine Langille, Indigenous Youth Opportunities Intern, PLT Canada

Paul Robitaille, Director, Indigenous and Youth Relations, SFI

Dawn Carr, Executive Director, Canadian Parks Council, SFI & PLT Canada Board Member

We all have a role to play in growing future forest and conservation leaders. Young leaders require inspiration and resources to set, pursue and achieve their individual green career goals. Because not everyone has access to role models or understands the opportunities that are available in the forest and conservation sector, Project Learning Tree Canada provides a variety of resources that help youth and employers alike build a diverse and sustainable workforce for the future. Learn more about PLT Canada’s various youth- and employer-focused initiatives, including our Green Jobs placement program, “Day in the Life” Webinar Series, Green Jobs Ambassador program, Guide to Green Jobs in Canada: Voices of Indigenous Professionals, and #MyGreenMentor program. Understand how your organization can access PLT Canada’s programs and contribute to growing the workforce of the future.