24.06.2025. In a year when the world lost tropical forest cover nearly the size of Panama—over 40% of it in the Amazon alone—WWF’s Forests Forward programme stands out as a beacon of hope. Since its launch in 2021, it has worked to keep over 4 million hectares of forest protected—an area equivalent to the size of Switzerland. WWF’s latest Forests Forward Impact Report showcases 26 companies, including Interholco, which are taking concrete steps to halt deforestation and champion sustainable forest use.
“WWF’s Forests Forward partners are proving that conserving forests is not just good for nature, but a smart, sustainable business strategy,” affirms Dr Kirsten Schuijt, Director General, WWF International.
From responsible sourcing to large-scale restoration, companies including IKEA, HP, SIG, Interholco, and Sylvamo are funding real impact on the ground, from rewilding jaguar corridors to restoring degraded forests:
- 1.3 million hectares are being conserved through WWF-led restoration and conservation projects in key forest landscapes.
- Another 2.7 million hectares benefit from improved forest management, with 75% certified under FSC®, especially in vulnerable regions like the Congo Basin and the Amazon.
“We want to be leaders in responsible forest management in the Congo Basin, and, together with WWF, we are demonstrating that healthy standing forests can help biodiversity and people thrive,” stated Tom van Loon, Head of Sustainability, Interholco.
With less than five years until 2030 deadlines for global goals on nature and climate, the Forests Forward Impact Report emphasises how critical the private sector is in filling finance gaps. It also outlines how forests play an outsized role in addressing the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and economic equality.
This comes at a time of increasing awareness that risks to nature are risks to business and a recognition that companies that set science-based targets and help nature thrive help their businesses thrive. The report includes a call to action to other companies and sectors to step up their action for nature.
At a time when tropical forest loss accelerates, Forests Forward shows that ambitious, private sector-driven action is not only possible—it’s already underway.
New Impact Report out now!
See how IKEA, HP, Interholco, SIG and others are shaping a forest-positive future:
https://forestsforward.panda.org/impact/
About WWF’s Forests Forward
WWF’s Forests Forward programme, launched in 2021, builds upon WWF’s 30 years of collaboration and innovation with the private sector to develop market-based solutions to forest loss and degradation. The programme now has 26 participants, with three new companies (Epson, WEPA and Nike) joining in early 2025 – representing an expansion into Asia, Germany and other forest-risk commodities (including natural rubber), respectively.
Photos © INTERHOLCO
About Interholco
The valorisation of a natural forest of 1.16 million hectares in the Republic of Congo Brazzaville is our DNA here at INTERHOLCO. As an FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®, FSC® C022952) and PEFC and PAFC certified producer, INTERHOLCO is a well-established player in the trade of its edged boules, sawn timber, glue laminated scantlings, decking boards and more.
We are a leading provider of high-quality wood products ‘Made in Africa’ holding a verified environmental and health performance statement (FDES requirement in France). Our teams carefully manage the supply chain from forest to customer. Our story is fully illustrated by enabling the people living in Ngombe to access better life conditions. We make it possible to design and build a healthy living environment with bio-based, eco-friendly materials, one of the real solutions for the planet and climate. Follow us on LinkedIn
Communication contact Interholco
Tullia Baldassarri Höger von Högersthal
INTERHOLCO AG, Neuhofstr. 25, 6340 Baar, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 (0)41 767 03 82
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
