Sylvamo, the World's Paper Company, Pledges $1 Million to The Nature Conservancy

Today, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is announcing a $1 million commitment from Memphis-based Sylvamo (NYSE: SLVM), the world’s paper company, to support work that advances TNC’s mission in Tennessee and in the Appalachian Mountains. In 2021, TNC identified the Appalachians as one of four global priorities for conservation.

“The private sector has an important role to play in advancing our mission,” says Terry Cook, TNC’s state director in Tennessee. “We are grateful to Sylvamo for taking a proactive approach to conducting business in ways that have a positive impact on our climate and on the lands and waters that people and nature rely upon for survival.”

In the Appalachian Mountains, Sylvamo’s gift will support efforts to identify, conserve and enhance lands located within a network of natural highways and neighborhoods where plant and animal species have the best chance of thriving in the face of a changing climate. This work is based on a decade of research led by a team of more than 100 scientists. TNC will also dedicate a portion of the funds toward working with partners to restore and sustainably manage Appalachian forests, and identify opportunities where nature can serve as a solution to promoting healthier lands, waters and communities.

In addition to supporting TNC’s work in the Appalachians, Sylvamo dedicated 10% of their gift to advancing priorities in Tennessee, where the company is headquartered. This includes funding for TNC’s Working Woodlands program in Tennessee, where the organization works with landowners who voluntarily implement sustainable management practices on their forestlands in return for technical assistance with improving the natural value and the health of their property. A portion of funds earmarked for Tennessee will also advance efforts by TNC scientists to work with the agricultural industry and farmers on finding solutions that will support clean and abundant water, healthy wildlife habitat and working farms throughout West Tennessee.

Supporting conservation in Tennessee, and throughout the Appalachian Mountains, helps Sylvamo pursue its vision of being the world's paper company by transforming renewable resources into papers that people depend on for education, communication and entertainment.

“The future of paper deserves a company committed to the success of the entire ecosystem, and we know healthy forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change, protecting water quality, clean air and biodiversity,” said Sylvamo Chief Sustainability Officer James McDonald. “We are thrilled to support one of TNC’s 2030 Global Priority areas and the work taking place in Tennessee and the Appalachian Mountains that provides natural climate solutions for healthy communities and resilient landscapes.”