Terrain annual report 2013

The Wet Tropics’

Backyard Terrain NRM - Annual Report 2012/13

Wet Tropics – Far North Queensland

Chair’s Report With our first decade nearly behind us, Terrain can look back on 10 years knowing we have consistently performed well. However, it has had to continually reinvent itself.

This year has seen a complete change to both organisation and funding, with a huge effort being made to submit applications to ensure ongoing Natural Resource Management (NRM) investment in the region. Congratulations to our wonderful staff who have handled a huge workload with very short deadlines, while maintaining exceptional quality and simultaneously delivering on all projects. Next comes the first review of the Regional NRM Plan.

Of equal importance to securing funds is our participation in government process - are we part of the furniture? An

essential component of a healthy landscape? Is a healthy landscape important? Every time there is a change of program or government we are re-tested on how a nongovernment organisation is useful, or even needed, in a world of competitive, tight government finance.

To farmers, graziers, traditional owners, agencies and those community groups focussed on improving the environment, I believe we have become part of the furniture. The cooperation between industry and regional bodies in Reef Rescue 2013-2018 is evidence of this and I thank industry for their good faith.

But we will never be secure with politicians until we become relevant to the entire community. Everyone leaves a footprint on a small planet subject to ever increasing pressures. Terrain’s new focus on community empowerment is fundamental to the goal of increasing that relevance.

Mike Berwick

Chief Executive Officer’s Report It’s heart-warming to be able to present the 2012/2013 Terrain Annual Report to our valued members and community. We have selected a snap shot of projects and special activities to showcase the wide range of initiatives that contribute to Wet Tropics landscapes and communities.

The Annual Report only provides a small window into the complexity and depth of these projects, and I would encourage everyone to talk to Terrain staff if you would like some more information.

This past year has seen some difficult times but I am confident that through much hard work Terrain has positioned itself to be able to meet our next challenges and to improve our reach and services across the community.

I am looking forward to some stability and direction for the next few years and an opportunity to really bed down some of the great networks and linkages.

With funding secure to review the Regional NRM Plan, I am keen to get working on re-establishing the role and function of the Plan for all of us. Our role as custodian of the

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Terrain NRM – Annual Report 2012-13

Plan is to ensure that it sets the scene for community NRM aspirations and the future of the Wet Tropics landscape. It is very exciting to be the CEO at this time.

Key projects to look forward to over the coming year include:

• a revitalised and repackaged Regional NRM Plan • a new whole-of-Wet Tropics Water Quality Improvement Plan

• roll out of the next five years of Reef Rescue • expansion of Terrain’s community support services to Cairns urban, Upper Herbert and Cardwell areas

• creation and support of opportunities for innovation in agricultural practices

• development and measurement of community health and linkages to NRM.

I would like to publicly thank all Terrain staff for all their hard work and the incredibly strong linkages they have built with community and partners – it’s the foundation that builds greater outcomes for the Wet Tropics. Looking forward to the next ten years!

Carole Sweatman

Terrain NRM Strategic Plan 2012-2017 The Terrain Board approved the 2012-2017 Strategic Plan on 31 August 2012. The following provides a summary of the plan and some key achievements since its approval. The full plan can be found at: www.www.terrain.org.au.

Terrain’s Mission

Strategic Pathways

To make a difference by inspiring and enabling action to improve the health, wellbeing and lasting value of the Wet Tropics landscapes and communities.

1

2

3

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Demonstrates Organisational Excellence

Focuses on the Big NRM Picture

Builds beneficial relationships

Champions Strategic Investment

Key Performance Indicators

Extent to which the NRM Plan and knowledge centre are used by partners and influence policy and investment

Extent to which partnerships demonstrably results in increasing delivery of the Regional NRM Plan

Level and nature of investment secured, and provided to partners to deliver on NRM Plan

Level of improvement against the Business Excellence Framework

Five Year Goals

1.1 – NRM Plan A new Wet Tropics Regional NRM Plan (inc. Aboriginal Plan).

2.1 – NRM groups Community based NRM groups are autonomous and prosperous.

3.1 – Investment portfolio An Annual regional investment portfolio for prioritising delivery.

4.1 – Structure Terrain’s structure reflects priorities and changing needs.

1.2 – Knowledge A scientific, cultural and local knowledge centre for all.

1.3 – Influence Influencing government and other decision makers on regional NRM. 1.4 – Monitoring Monitoring and regular reporting on NRM outcomes.

2012/2013 Achievements

2.2 – Traditional Owners Traditional Owners are resourced to enable their aspirations.

3.2 – New funding New opportunities secured for sustainable NRM investment.

2.3 – Regional Bodies Partnership with NQ NRM groups delivers new models for NRM.

3.3 – Subsidiarity Funding/resources allocated to the appropriate local level.

1.5 – Innovation Support to community-based innovation.

2.4 – Partnerships Partnerships with all sectors results in NRM Plan delivery.

• Funding secured to develop a new Wet Tropics Regional NRM Plan and a Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP) to cover all Wet Tropics catchments during 2013/2014.

• Terrain restructure expands community support services to Upper Herbert, Cardwell and Cairns urban area.

• Creation of the knowledge centre is part of the new NRM Plan and WQIP. • Support to industry innovation is part of the new Terrain structure and resources provided through government funding.

• Successful delivery of past 5 years Reef Rescue and state and Australian government NRM programs.

• Terrain drafts a Community Services document to articulate a more equitable system for what Terrain can do for all community NRM groups.

• Terrain works with Northern Gulf, Cape York and NQ Dry Tropics NRM bodies on collaborative models for development of new NRM Plan.

4.2 – Business excellence Terrain improves against business excellence measures.

4.3 – Staff satisfaction Terrain staff are satisfied with Terrain as an employer.

4.4 – Transparency Resource allocations are transparent, published and regularly reviewed.

4.5 – Leadership Terrain is recognised for environmental and social leadership.

• Terrain secures five year base level funding from Australian Government Caring for our Country Program and three years funding from Queensland Government NRM Program.

• Terrain secures $18M for Wet Tropics Reef Rescue funding for 2013 – 2016.

• Terrain staff numbers reduced to ensure organisational sustainability.

• Allocation of funds to partners, landholders and community has increased from 33% to 55% over past three years.

• Terrain improves against all components in 2013 Business Excellence Framework review, against 2010 benchmark.

Leadership, reporting and post disaster recovery are cited as examples of best practice.

• Terrain implements new organisational structure on 1 July 2013 to ensure delivery against the strategic plan and priority NRM investment in the Wet Tropics.

Terrain NRM – Annual Report 2012-13

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Terrain’s Board Terrain’s Board looks at the big picture, carries out constant assessment of Terrain’s performance and guides it towards its goals. The Board of Terrain is appointed to:

2012/2013 Terrain Directors

• provide purpose, leadership, direction and a strategic

Ken Atkinson – Director Rangelands

• ensure all legal and financial responsibilities are met

Joann Schmider – Director Indigenous

vision

and that finances are sound and operations are legal

• carry out risk management • select and oversee the CEO • evaluate and improve its own effectiveness Through the establishment and implementation of Terrain’s 2012-2017 Strategic Plan, the Board seeks to ensure that Terrain’s legacy is a stronger and healthier Wet Tropics community and landscape.

Terrain’s mission is: To make a difference by inspiring and enabling action to improve the health, wellbeing and lasting value of the Wet Tropics landscape and communities.

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Terrain NRM – Annual Report 2012-13

Mike Berwick – Chair

Julia Leu – Director Local Government

Peter Rowles – Director Conservation Keith Noble – Director Industry Ryan Donnelly – Director Coastal and Marine Troy Wyles-Whelan – Director Indigenous Russell Watkinson – Director World Heritage David Hudson – Director Catchment and Community (retired November 2012) If you would like to know more about our Board members, please go to www.terrain.org.au

Community Financial Report This Report aims to provide an overview of Terrain’s funding sources and activities for 2012/2013 financial year. Readers are referred to the complete Terrain Audited Financial Statements for 2012/2013 for details. The income by investor and by funded program is shown in the first two charts. The expenditure by activity is shown in the third chart.

8.66%

35

805

137

Overhead as percentage of expenditure – average of all Queensland NRMs is 11.7%

Incoming investor contracts negotiated and delivered

Outgoing contracts to landholders and community groups administered by Terrain

Outgoing agreements with contractors and suppliers

Terrain Income 2012/2013 Total Income $13.6 M Australian Government DAFF

Other Programs

1%

5%

Queensland Government NRM Funding

6%

Queensland Government & Australian Government Disaster Recovery

10%

Where the funds come from Terrain Income by Program Type 2012/2013 Community & Carbon 2%

16%

Terrain Expenditure 2012/2013

Australian Government Reef Rescue

62%

Land & Sea Programs

2%

Australian Government Caring for our Country

Board Expenses

1%

Water & Coastal 4% Governance & Knowledge

Unexpended & Committed Funds

4%

Project Delivery Costs

7%

4%

Disaster Recovery

NRM Programs funded

10%

Landholder Grants

37%

Biodiversity, Weeds & Pests

How the money is spent to deliver NRM

Employee Expenses

22%

14%

Community Groups & Partners Grants

Sustainable Farm Practices for Water Quality

29%

64%

Changes in allocation of funds over past 3 years 2010/11

2011/12

2012/13 Terrain Support Staff

22% 34%

14%

18%

Terrain Project Staff

43% 39%

31%

55%

Grants and Contracts to Community, Partners and Landholders

44%

Terrain NRM – Annual Report 2012-13

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Project Highlights

Five Years of Reef Rescue Terrain NRM delivered five years of Reef Rescue across the Wet Tropics region between 2008 and 2013. Agriculture was identified as a key industry to help improve water quality in the Great Barrier Reef; subsequently, the reduction of nutrients, pesticides and sediment losses has been the focus of Reef Rescue.

Terrain has worked in partnership with agricultural industry groups in the Wet Tropics since 2008 to coordinate and deliver incentive-based grants and training to landholders across the region.

The grants and training promote the uptake of best land management practices to improve water quality from paddocks and increase farm sustainability.

Reef Rescue has brought forward practice change across the Wet Tropics by an average of 5.4 years.

After five years, Terrain has funded 1,086 famers, or 167% of the Australian government contracted target of 648.

Water Quality Improvement Grants 911 incentive projects valued at over $43.5 M $18.8 M investment from the Caring for our Country Reef Rescue program $17.6 M cash and $7 M in-kind contributions from landholders

Water Quality Impact

End of catchment reduction of: 964 t of nutrients (N) 1,051 kg of pesticides 30 kt/yr of sediment equating to reductions of: 17% DIN Landholders and area impacted 10.5% pesticide 1,556 landholders supported 14.3% sediment 589,632 ha (77%) total productive area impacted

Herbert Water Quality Project Since 2011, Terrain has coordinated and managed an industry-led collective initiative to investigate pollutant loads in the Herbert River catchment. The project includes monitoring of pesticide, nutrient and sediment contributions from various land uses (including urban and protected estate) across 16 sites. The data generated from this program also supports Targeted the Paddock to Reef Monitoring industry extension and investment and Modelling Program and has priorities for Water Quality links to Reef Plan actions.

Improvement Plans, Wet Tropics NRM plan and Reef Plan 3

The project supports industry, NRM managers and government to address specific water quality issues within the catchment. Five organisations have contributed funds to the project totalling over $250,000 pa.

Over 1,100 water quality samples collected Samples from 16 sites analysed in the past 2 years for sediments, nutrients and pesticides 15 additional partners from a range of sectors provided in-kind support

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Terrain NRM – Annual Report 2012-13

Natural Disaster Waterway Recovery As part of the post-cyclone Yasi effort, the $2M Environmental Line of Recovery program tackled some of the critical post-cyclone waterways and environmental works across the region over 12 months. This project was funded through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements. An important goal of Terrain’s role in this project was to strengthen relationships between Terrain staff, councils, River Improvement Trusts and key community groups such as catchment management groups. The project also built a strong best practice NRM approach to waterway recovery implementation.

A key result has been the negotiation of a Wet Tropics Waterway Futures Partnership between Terrain NRM, catchment groups and River Improvement Trusts.

10 projects delivered across 4 local government areas totalling $2M 9 organisations contributed knowledge and expertise

27 ha of weed management 13.6 ha of coastal restoration 250 ha of stream bank/ gully stabilisation 7 km of riparian restoration

Debris removed along over 5km of waterways 41 properties assisted with waterway recovery 32 awareness and training events engaging 53 participants

Traditional Owners Water Quality Projects Terrain was funded by the Queensland government to improve water quality in the Wet Tropics whilst increasing opportunities for traditional owners to work on country. Five projects were funded with four traditional owner groups over 12 months. These projects formed part of a broader package of water Increased capacity quality and weed management projects for for over 30 people traditional owners and community groups valued Training in weed identification, at $125,139. chemical use and first aid

Five traditional owner water quality projects valued at $57,139 were awarded to four groups, Jabalbina, Jaragun, Burungu and Northern Skills Alliance, exceeding the contracted target by two groups and 15 ha.

9.5 ha pest plant control 15 ha riparian and 3 km streambank native vegetation rehabilitated

Skill development in weeds survey, mapping and site maintenance planning

The projects improved riparian and wetland areas, but also improved capacity through training in weed identification, chemical use and first aid.

Terrain has implemented the Habitat Incentives Project (HIP) over the past 18 months to increase habitat for the endangered mahogany glider and cassowary, whilst improving littoral rainforest. The $825,000 revegetation project was funded by the Australian Government’s 65 landholders directly engaged in on-ground work Caring for our Country initiative. Working directly with landholders 30.7 km of wildlife friendly and partners, Terrain NRM has helped to improve fencing in mahogany glider habitat connectivity and traditional owner habitat 13.3 ha of engagement, undertake pest plant and revegetation of critical animal control and fire management, and habitat and linkages install wildlife friendly fencing.

46.8 ha of improved management of littoral rainforest 2,000 ha of pig control at Mission The project has exceeded all Beach with 72 pigs removed contracted targets, its success is due to a strong focus on providing landholders with incentives to undertake conservation on their properties.

Almost 4,700 ha of fire managment in mahogany glider habitat A broad range of organisations contributed $100,000 of in-kind towards littoral rainforest workshops and mapping

Terrain NRM – Annual Report 2012-13

Wet Tropics Images

Habitat Incentives Project

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Regional Landcare Facilitator The RLF has facilitated opportunities for landholders, community and youth to boost skills, knowledge and partnerships in land management, climate, biodiversity and community engagement.

Engaged Engaged 700 land 200 primary managers in adopting school students and 45 sustainable land Provided educators in insect biodiversity management practices information on the monitoring workshops, delivered that deliver improved Carbon Farming Initiative through the Queensland ecosystem services to over 400 land managers Museum’s Backyard Delivered farm planning Explorer program skills training to 235 land managers

Terrain has hosted the Regional Landcare Facilitator (RLF) role funded by the Australian Government for three years under Caring for Our Country. The role provides a key service to link farmers and community groups across the region to help them:

• understand and get involved in natural resource management issues

• develop skills to maintain viable farming systems

and communities in the face of future challenges

• implement changes on their land that improve

the environment and ecosystem services both on and off farm

Project Highlights

Reveg-net.au – Forestry in the Wet Tropics

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Terrain NRM has delivered four years of the Reveg-net.au In the last four years, Terrain NRM has provided 53 project across the Wet Tropics, collaborating with Private property grants made up of over $260,000 from the Forestry Services Queensland. It is part of a larger project Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country seeking to mitigate threats to biodiversity, the Great Barrier initiative, matched with more than $390,000 inReef and coastal hotspots and encompasses six NRM regions kind from landholders. in partnership. In the Wet Tropics, this project has engaged landholders in the development of property management Engaged plans and their implementation through coordination and 67 properties Directly covering a total of 68,760 delivery of incentive-based grants, with a focus on sustainable managed 3,288 ha ha of vegetated area including timber production and ecosystem services. The project of vegetated land through 562 ha of plantation forest, has enabled the development of prioritisation weed and native vegetation to improve vegetation Assisted mapping that supports a targeted approach to management management 29 properites enhanced vegetation management.

Supported the development of outcomes in enhanced vegetation integrated property planning and mapping with the state implementation for a cluster of government eight properties Trained 13 traditional owners of Eastern Kuku Yalanji in forest condition assessment

Terrain NRM – Annual Report 2012-13

Catchment Stories for the Year Mossman –

Small wetlands make for big gains Terrain sourced funding of $22,000, coordinated partner involvement, and provided technical advice for the design of a series of wetlands built to improve the quality of water flowing from a Mossman farmer’s cattle property.

The project also links important habitat corridors for wildlife from the hills to the coast.

The wetland connects to others on neighbouring properties, demonstrating that with good partnerships and adjoining landholders, a series of relatively small and cost effective wetlands or sediment traps can have a direct impact on reducing sediment and potential nutrient entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon and provide critical habitat for flora and fauna.

Funding came from the Queensland Wetlands Program, the Australian Government Reef Rescue program, and Cairns Regional Council.

Mulgrave –

Barron –

Communities in action

Valuable Mabi forest survival project

Mulgrave Landcare and Catchment Group, with support from Terrain, secured funding for several local projects resulting in 8,100 seedlings planted on the Mulgrave River and Fishery Creek with seven landholders involved over just nine planting days. One site was complemented by an indigenous project providing paid work experience for five local traditional owners.

Terrain initiated and coordinates the Mabi Action Group (MAG) bringing together key partners – including local and state government, community and researchers – to leverage investment in, and ensure a collaborative approach towards the restoration and protection of critically endangered Mabi forest.

A highlight of this large-scale community rehabilitation effort is that 4,200 of the trees are on a large and degraded bend of the river. They complement another 9,500 trees on five other properties previously planted on the same reach. Those successes have led to the next landholder down-stream volunteering land for a further 2,000 seedling planting that will complete an important corridor linkage. The Australian Government’s Reef Rescue, Biodiversity Fund and Community Action Grants have contributed to this large scale community effort.

Effective restoration of this area is an example of what can arise from long-term positive relationships between Terrain, Landcare groups and farmers.

The aggressive weed Turbina threatens to seriously damage much of the remaining Mabi forest, left broken and fragile after Cyclones Larry and Yasi. Mabi provides habitat for the region’s iconic Lumholtz’ TreeKangaroo.

Terrain offers technical and logistical support to MAG members undertaking significant works. Through Terrain’s support, Barron Catchment Care (BCC) previously secured a Caring for Our Country grant to restore and protect Mabi remnants on private land, further invigorating other MAG partners resulting in their investment. Terrain also assisted BCC to secure funding through the State Government Everyone’s Environment to tackle the Turbina threat. Terrain’s financial support enabled BCC to commission an aerial survey and mapping, as well as to treat18 hectares.

Terrain NRM – Annual Report 2012-13

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Catchment Stories

Johnstone –

This little piggy went ‘wee wee wee’ until it was gone Terrain has worked with landholders, industry, Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to remove 1,000 pigs between Innisfail and Cardwell. The Integrated Feral Pig Control Program helps protect farm land and fragile environmental areas.

The project was funded by the Queensland and Australian governments and contributions totalling $25,000 from over 30 landholders.

Landholder engagement has been positive and interactive, with shed meetings held to keep landholders informed and strategic directions provided through a steering committee. An associated genetic research project helps to prioritise and target feral pig control.

Murray –

Blitz a success

More than 70 people of all ages took part in Terrain’s Cardwell Bioblitz in June 2013. This 24 hour event involved spotting, trapping and studying mammals, insects, and any other living thing in a specific area. The event was funded from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country Habitat Incentives Program.

The activities reached a variety of community groups and individuals, professionals and amateurs, children and adults, and boosted knowledge and understanding of the biodiversity of the local area.

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Terrain NRM – Annual Report 2012-13

During the event, partners and community groups such as Girringun Aboriginal Corporation, Wildlife Queensland, Johnstone Region Landcare, and Birdlife Townsville were able to promote their role in natural resource management in the area. The first viewing of the mahogany glider DVD ‘Every Tree Matters to ME’ took place and Terrain’s 10 year anniversary was also celebrated as part of the event.

Russell –

Babinda Creek to get its flow back Terrain has coordinated the Russell Landcare and Catchment Group’s (RLCG) application to extract 35,000 cubic metres of sand from Babinda Creek for environmental purposes, a first for the region.

Terrain NRM and the RLCG are working together to ensure this project sets a new benchmark for stream management in the Wet Tropics. The local farming community in Babinda will implement and monitor this project to maximise the environmental benefits for the creek, in particular reducing severe erosion on outside bends. Sand extraction, along with the restoration of riparian vegetation, aims to maintain and improve the creek’s natural hydraulic capacity by slowing flow and minimising further loss of valuable topsoil from adjacent farming land.

Tully –

Herbert –

Djiru people managing country at Mission Beach

Weed Management

Littoral rainforest and Gunduy (cassowary) on Djiru country at Mission Beach is critically important for Djiru people.

Terrain provided $25,000 to Herbert River Catchment Group to address weed priorities for waterway and riparian protection in the Hinchinbrook Shire, including aleman grass, Singapore daisy and giant sensitive plant. The funding was part of the Queensland Government’s NRM funding.

With help from Terrain NRM and funding from the Australian Government’s Habitat Incentives Project the Djiru people are drafting an integrated natural resource management plan for two large blocks of their land.

In September 2011, the Djiru people, past and present, were recognised as the Native Title holders of their traditional lands in the Mission Beach area. This management plan will be used by Djiru people to guide planning and decision making for the endangered cassowary and littoral rainforest found on this land.

Djiru traditional owner Rona Hart says the management of this land will also help Djiru people with the transfer of knowledge and the continued practice and maintenance of indigenous ecological knowledge by older and younger generations of Aboriginal people.

Giant sensitive plant is listed as a high priority Class Two declared pest and is of particular concern to the sugar cane industry. $10,000 was directed to 15 landholders under an agreement to spray for giant sensitive plant over their whole property, regardless of the scale and location, including in non-productive areas.

Over 200ha of giant sensitive plant treatment on private land has been achieved by landholders through this method, while Hinchinbrook Shire Council was contracted to control about 1.5 ha in ‘no man’s land’. This outcome represents weed treatment costs at one tenth of traditional contractor arrangements.

Terrain NRM – Annual Report 2012-13

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Region

Terrain NRM COOK

KEY

Towns

T E A G R

WUJAL WUJAL

Terrain NRM Office Locations Terrain NRM Region Regional Council Boundaries

B A

Wet Tropics World Heritage Area Catchments

R

Mossman River

R

Port Douglas

IE

Mossman

Daintree River

R

Newell

Barron River Mulgrave River

R

Russell River

E

Mount Molloy

E

CAIRNS REGIONAL

F

Johnstone River Tully River

Kuranda

TABLELANDS REGIONAL

Murray River

Cairns

Mareeba

Herbert River

YARRABAH

Gordonvale W

Mutchilba Dimbulah

Herberton

Malanda

L D O R

Yungaburra

Atherton

Babinda

G E TA R I H E

Innisfail Ravenshoe Mount Garnet

Mission Beach

A

Tully

R E A

CASSOWARY COAST REGIONAL

Cardwell ETHERIDGE

Halifax

Ingham

PALM ISLAND

HINCHINBROOK

CHARTERS TOWERS REGIONAL TOWNSVILLE CITY

Contact us: Terrain NRM 2 Stitt Street, Innisfail QLD 4860 PO Box 1756, Innisfail QLD 4860 Email: info@terrain.org.au

Phone: +61 7 4043 8000 Fax: +61 7 4061 4677 Web: www.terrain.org.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/TerrainWT Twitter: twitter.com/terrainNRM

This publication was printed on recycled paper which was derived from well-managed forests, controlled sources and recycled wood or fibre.