For the Second Year in a row, Three out of Four North American Respondents Claim to Have a Positive Attitude Towards Forestry

PORTLAND, Oregon, May 4, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EcoSecurities, a leading organization in the business of sourcing and developing greenhouse gas emission reduction projects, Conservation International, The Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance, ClimateBiz and Norton Rose Group announce the findings of their second annual 'forest carbon offsetting report 2010', which focuses on corporations' attitudes towards carbon offsets from forestry projects.

The forest carbon offsetting research sampled 207 organizations, specifically 157 global, multinational and regional organizations (68 of which have headquarters based in North America) and 50 carbon companies. Focusing on the North American respondents, highlights of the research include:

    - For the second year in a row, three out of four North American
      respondents claim to have a positive attitude towards forestry;

    - Participants from North America highlighted the most important factor
      when purchasing forest carbon offsets are carbon standards (85%),
      closely followed by project location (85%) and project type (83%);

    - Avoided deforestation in the tropics and reforestation with native
      species (both around 40%) were rated the most 'highly' desirable types
      of forestry project;

    - Domestic (U.S.) (79%) and South America (74%) were the most
      sought-after regions from which to purchase forest carbon credits;

    - The Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate Action Reserve (CAR)
      were the two most popular carbon standards for North American
      respondents (73% and 63% respectively).

Paul Kelly, CEO of EcoSecurities, commented, "It's great to see that there is such a positive attitude towards forestry projects in North America. Forestry has a critical role to play in helping to mitigate the effects of climate change and it's clearly evident that corporations are getting involved in these types of projects even in the absence of international or regional agreements."

"Forestry promises to be a powerful and cost-effective tool in the fight against climate change," said ClimateBiz Managing Editor, Matthew Wheeland. "Corporate offset buyers recognize this potential, and show little sign of declining enthusiasm for forestry, despite the regulatory uncertainty."

Toby Janson-Smith, Conservation International's Director of Climate and Land Use: Markets and Policy, echoed, "With the existence of robust standards, field demonstration models and early policymaker support, it appears a growing number of U.S. companies are considering investments in forest carbon projects around the world, especially those that also generate strong social and environmental co-benefits."

For a full version of the Forest Carbon Offsetting Survey 2010, please visit http://www.ecosecurities.com/Standalone/Forest_carbon_offsetting_report_2010/ default.aspx

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Notes to Editors:

About EcoSecurities:

EcoSecurities is one of the leading organizations in the business of sourcing and developing emission reductions. The company started 13 years ago with a focus on forestry activities, and now has one of the largest and most diverse carbon offset portfolios in the market. In addition EcoSecurities also provides clients with consultancy support services, helping them understand and deal with an increasingly carbon constrained world.

For further information, please visit http://www.ecosecurities.com

Conservation International:

Conservation International (CI) is one of the world's leading international conservation NGOs with projects or programs in about 40 countries. CI's mission focuses on the linkage between the protection of natural systems and human well-being.

The Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance:

The Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA) is a partnership of international NGOs seeking to foster the development of forest protection and restoration activities around the world that deliver significant social and environmental benefits. With this goal in mind, the CCBA has developed voluntary standards to help design and identify land management projects that simultaneously minimise climate change, support sustainable development and conserve biodiversity.

ClimateBiz:

ClimateBiz is the leading business resource for climate management. ClimateBiz informs CFOs, CIOs, supply-chain, operations and other executives on the key business issues in climate and carbon. The website and its free fortnightly newsletter ClimateBiz News offer news, best practices and resources in such areas as carbon measurement, reduction and trading; renewable energy; and carbon offsets.

Norton Rose Group:

Norton Rose Group is a leading international legal practice. We offer a full business law service from our offices across Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Knowing how our clients' businesses work and understanding what drives their industries is fundamental to us. Our lawyers share industry knowledge and sector expertise across borders, enabling us to support our clients anywhere in the world. We are strong in financial institutions; energy; infrastructure and commodities; transport; and technology.

    Norton Rose Group comprises Norton Rose LLP, Norton Rose Australia and
their respective affiliates.

    For further information:

    Rachel Mountain
    EcoSecurities
    +44-(0)1865-202-635
    [email protected]

SOURCE EcoSecurities