Sino-Forest Launches Chinese Leadership Training Program in "Green" Forestry Practices
Yale University and Nanjing Forestry University Join in Unique Partnership to Foster Sustainable Development
Copyright 2000 Business Wire, Inc
October 16, 2000
In an effort to assist Chinese forestry managers in sustainable development of the country's rich forests, one of the world's most environmentally conscious foresters has announced a unique new management training program.
Sino-Forest Corporation, a Canadian corporation publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange, has launched The Sustainable Development Leadership Program (SDLP). A leader in practicing sustainable forestry management, Sino-Forest formed the program by partnering with Yale University's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and China's Nanjing Forestry University. Yale has developed the curriculum and Nanjing Forestry University will host the program, with the first session to run from October 15 to October 23, 2000.
Sino-Forest's goal for the program is to help train a new generation of leaders and professionals from among China's key corporations and institutions in the principles of sustainable development - the use of resources in a manner that allows economic growth while protecting the environment.
"We are committed to developing long-term perspectives and a 'green' economy in China," said Allen T.Y. Chan, Chairman of the SDLP Board of Directors and Chairman and CEO of Sino-Forest Corporation. "We are leading by example and we hope to teach more Chinese foresters to understand that what is good for our environment is also good for business."
"The SDLP will help address the considerable challenges facing sustainable development in the forestry industry," said Xue Jianhui, Professor and Dean of Colleges of Forest Resources and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University. "Sino-Forest is on the leading edge of this forward-looking business philosophy and the SDLP will help encourage others to adopt similar practices."
"We are pleased to work with Sino-Forest Corporation and Najing Forestry University to discuss sustainable development in China. We hope our participation will lead to environmentally sound economic development in China," said Gordon Geballe, Associate Dean of Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
The program will enable participants to examine sustainable development from new and different points of view, to help find ways to better manage resources over the long term, keeping in mind the relationship between the health of the biosphere and the welfare of humanity. Participants will be able to test new practical solutions and obtain feedback from faculty and each other on the issues most relevant to their organizations.
"Sino-Forest has adopted integrated sustainable forestry management as its fundamental philosophy and we want to prove to others that it is a sound practice," said Mr. Chan. "Recognizing the new, green, approach is the key to long term prosperity in our industry. The SDLP is the first program of its kind to recognize the economic importance of sustainable resource management and will help to develop a new breed of forestry leaders in China."
Sino-Forest Corporation is the first foreign-owned integrated forest products company in the People's Republic of China. Well positioned to become a leader in both the Asian and global markets for its products and "Green Business Practice," Sino-Forest's growing participation in the commercialization of China's vast forestry resources will help to create sustained growth and value for the Company as well as for China. Sino-Forest is a Canadian corporation headquartered in Hong Kong. Its Class A Subordinate-Voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TRE.a.
Sino-Forest Corporation has updated its website with more comprehensive information about the company. Please visit the new website at www.sinoforest.com.