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<\/p>\nAt APRIL, sustainability is not a side initiative. It is embedded in how every department operates, from managing forests responsibly and running mills efficiently to working closely with surrounding communities.<\/p>\n
To ensure these efforts remain aligned with the company\u2019s broader sustainability targets, APRIL established the Sustainability Programme team. The team works closely with departments and key stakeholders to coordinate projects and keep progress on track.<\/p>\n
Meet Kristin Dewira, the Sustainability Programme Team Assistant Manager.<\/p>\n
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Kristin\u2019s responsibilities include project management, conducting benchmarking analyses to compare APRIL\u2019s initiatives with those of peer companies, and engaging stakeholders. She also serves as secretariat for APRIL\u2019s and APRIL2030. \u201cThis involves ensuring alignment in implementation processes across internal teams and external stakeholders,\u201d Kristin explains.<\/p>\n
Since joining the Sustainability Programme team in 2019, one of Kristin\u2019s proudest achievements has been serving as project coordinator for the\u00a0High Conservation Value (HCV)<\/a>\u00a0– High Carbon Stock (HCS) Assessment for APRIL\u2019s supply partners and community forests.<\/p>\n HCV means areas with significant environmental, social, or cultural value, such as vital ecosystems or critical community resources. HCS focuses on identifying and protecting natural forests to prevent carbon emissions.<\/p>\n \u201cThe HCV-HCS assessment ensures APRIL\u2019s operations respect both ecological values and community rights,\u201d Kristin explains. \u201cSuccessfully coordinating this project confirms both the company\u2019s commitment and my ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects while balancing different inputs from every stakeholder involved.\u201d<\/p>\n Such an achievement has a deeper meaningful for Kristin because she did not begin her career in sustainability.<\/p>\n Navigating the Career Shift from IT to Sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n Kristin joined APRIL in 2016 as an IT engineer, focusing on systems, troubleshooting, and technical problem-solving. Sustainability was not part of her original career plan.<\/p>\n \u201cSpending time in this company made me realise how closely our business is connected to environmental aspects,\u201d Kristin says. That realisation inspired her to contribute more directly to the company\u2019s sustainability commitments. \u201cThen there was an opening in the\u00a0Sustainability Programme<\/a>\u00a0team. I applied, and made a career shift.\u201d<\/p>\n However, forestry standards, conservation methodologies, and sustainability reporting frameworks were entirely new territory for Kristin. Her new role pushed her out of the office, walking through plantations, visiting conservation sites, and connecting with people from different teams and communities.<\/p>\n \u201cI never hesitated to ask questions and seek help, not only from my direct superiors but also across departments,\u201d Kristin explains her approach. \u201cIt really works. It helps me understand their perspectives better and leads to smoother collaboration to achieve targets.\u201d<\/p>\n Thriving as a Woman in Forestry and Sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n Forestry is often perceived as a male-dominated sector. At APRIL, however, Kristin says the company\u2019s supportive culture helps ensure women can pursue their careers without barriers.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel confident pursuing this path because APRIL has always recognised the importance of diversity. There are equal opportunities for women through mentorship programmes, training, and leadership initiatives that empower women to advance their careers,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n