Story | 03/21/2025 08:08:56 | 2 min Read time

Clear, measurable and transparent key performance indicators monitor the impacts of our forestry operations

Elina Warsta

Senior Manager, Global Forest Affairs, UPM

We work in many fronts and geographies to develop our sustainable forestry activities. Having ambitious long-term targets and a comprehensive set of proven key performance indicators (KPIs) to follow-up the development forms the backbone of our approach. The work is done by our experienced forest and plantation experts in Finland, Uruguay and the USA under a global forest responsibility program, Forest Action.

The program’s indicators are designed to develop and monitor improvements across five fundamental areas:

Climate

We are committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in forestry and wood logistics and maintain our forests and plantation carbon sinks. Carbon sinks are calculated annually by Natural Resources Institute Finland. In addition, regions may have more specific climate indicators.

Biodiversity

Our constantly evolving indicators are monitoring species diversity, habitat quality, and ecosystem resilience. These metrics ensure that our forest management practices support and enhance biodiversity across managed forests, plantations and protected areas. The Net Positive Impact (NPI) target on biodiversity, originally launched in 2018, is now covering also the United States, in addition to Finland and Uruguay. 

Soil

Focused on long-term soil health, the program reduces soil emissions and reinforces erosion control. Such indicators are vital for maintaining productive, resilient forest ecosystems and productive land for plantations.

Water

By measuring water quality and quantity, the indicators help align forest operations with environmental requirements and targets, safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and ensuring sustainable water use in our tree nurseries.

Social contribution

Recognizing the human dimension of forestry, we track labor conditions, community engagement and provide educational opportunities particularly in rural areas. These indicators quantify the positive societal impact of our forest-related operations.

Did you get interested? You can read more about the Forest Action program and our performance on our website. 

Visit also UPM’s Annual Report including a good coverage of our forestry related operations in 2024.

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