Published on Monday May 9th, 2016 en Sin categorizar
Entrevista de la Universidad de Lima a Drago Bozovich “Con Madera para el Negocio”
The story of Drago Bozovich Noriega is an inspiring example of how family tradition and a passion for forests can converge into a sustainable and successful business model. From a young age, Drago was immersed in the timber world, accompanying his father in the Peruvian Amazon and sawmills. Over time, he became the CEO of Maderera Bozovich, leading a company committed to conservation and sustainable development.
Childhood and Early Steps in the Timber Industry
How did you get started with Maderera Bozovich?
The story begins in my childhood. My father always involved us in the business and its operations. While we played alongside him, we learned a lot. As teenagers, during the summers, we worked. There were summers where we nailed pallets (frames for transporting cargo) and ended up with black fingernails; other times we measured (calculated the necessary materials for a project) and received raw materials or classified the quality of finished products. Eventually, we sold the products in the local market alongside a senior salesperson. Later, at university, I specialized in foreign trade because I loved traveling (my father was terrified of airplanes), and my English was good.
When did you start working formally?
After finishing school (1994), I began formally interning in areas related to commerce because it was the only area that fit my highly variable and changing schedule. I tried to enroll in courses very early in the morning or late in the day to maximize my productive hours and work.
The Importance of Sustainability in the Timber Industry
What is the most important aspect of the timber business, and how does informal logging affect it?
The most important thing is understanding that sustainable forest management is the best and only proven way to conserve forests in developing countries like ours. By giving economic value to forest land, we ensure that someone takes care of it, utilizes it responsibly, provides formal and dignified work to many people, and creates a formal and socially inclusive economy that prevents forests from being destroyed by unsustainable or informal activities. The logging carried out by informal operators is an unfair practice we unfortunately have to compete with. Often, formal operators fail because of much higher costs, forcing us to focus primarily on exports.
How does deforestation affect the industry?
Illegal logging or timber theft is a problem that needs to be combated, as is already being done, but it is not a deforestation activity. True deforestation comes from land-use changes for agricultural activities (legal and illegal), which burn and destroy forests, releasing greenhouse gases in the process. We must understand that without sustainable forest management, we fail as humans and as a species. The forestry sector is key to conserving our forests. Sustainable forestry is the first link in a chain of formalization, value generation, and social inclusion, often involving native communities in our distant and remote Amazon. This allows them to access markets with their resources and give them lasting value. A well-managed forest is forever.
Peruvian Timber in the Global Market
Does Peruvian timber have any advantages over other types of timber?
"The story of Drago Bozovich Noriega is an inspiring example of how family tradition and a passion for forests can converge into a sustainable and successful business model. From a young age, Drago was immersed in the timber world, accompanying his father in the Peruvian Amazon and sawmills. Over time, he became the CEO of Maderera Bozovich, leading a company committed to conservation and sustainable development.
Childhood and Early Steps in the Timber Industry
How did you get started with Maderera Bozovich?
The story begins in my childhood. My father always involved us in the business and its operations. While we played alongside him, we learned a lot. As teenagers, during the summers, we worked. There were summers where we nailed pallets (frames for transporting cargo) and ended up with black fingernails; other times we measured (calculated the necessary materials for a project) and received raw materials or classified the quality of finished products. Eventually, we sold the products in the local market alongside a senior salesperson. Later, at university, I specialized in foreign trade because I loved traveling (my father was terrified of airplanes), and my English was good.
When did you start working formally?
After finishing school (1994), I began formally interning in areas related to commerce because it was the only area that fit my highly variable and changing schedule. I tried to enroll in courses very early in the morning or late in the day to maximize my productive hours and work.
The Importance of Sustainability in the Timber Industry
What is the most important aspect of the timber business, and how does informal logging affect it?
The most important thing is understanding that sustainable forest management is the best and only proven way to conserve forests in developing countries like ours. By giving economic value to forest land, we ensure that someone takes care of it, utilizes it responsibly, provides formal and dignified work to many people, and creates a formal and socially inclusive economy that prevents forests from being destroyed by unsustainable or informal activities. The logging carried out by informal operators is an unfair practice we unfortunately have to compete with. Often, formal operators fail because of much higher costs, forcing us to focus primarily on exports.
How does deforestation affect the industry?
Illegal logging or timber theft is a problem that needs to be combated, as is already being done, but it is not a deforestation activity. True deforestation comes from land-use changes for agricultural activities (legal and illegal), which burn and destroy forests, releasing greenhouse gases in the process. We must understand that without sustainable forest management, we fail as humans and as a species. The forestry sector is key to conserving our forests. Sustainable forestry is the first link in a chain of formalization, value generation, and social inclusion, often involving native communities in our distant and remote Amazon. This allows them to access markets with their resources and give them lasting value. A well-managed forest is forever.
Peruvian Timber in the Global Market
Does Peruvian timber have any advantages over other types of timber?
Many. Timber from tropical forests is naturally more beautiful and durable than timber from temperate forests. It is also weather-resistant and strong enough to be used for everything from flooring to bridges and playgrounds. It has vibrant colors and rich textures. Only the best and most demanding products are made with our timber. Sometimes, people ask unfairly: how can Chile export more? While it’s true that state policies aimed at promoting forestry activities (such as the National Productive Diversification Plan) can help the sector grow significantly in the medium term, it’s unlikely we’ll match Chile. The reason lies in our forestry heritage (highly biodiverse natural forests versus plantations). Peru harvests fine timber from the wild with low impact, turning it into decorative elements, while Chile produces timber en masse for structural purposes. Both can coexist and often do: Chilean material is used internally, while Peruvian material decorates and finishes, for example.
Where is your timber distributed, and in what form (chairs, parquet, raw material, etc.)?
Our timber products are distributed across many markets, including Peru. Our market spans, curiously enough, from Chile to Japan and over 20 other countries. Most of our products have high added value; many are finished and ready for installation. We also manufacture in Asia and are developing an intense program for imported products to complement our portfolio. We aim to offer comprehensive solutions to our clients.
Long-Term Vision and Commitment to Forest Certification
What are your long-term plans?
For some time now, Maderera Bozovich has been striving to lead efforts to promote voluntary forest certification under FSC standards. Through our example, we aim to inspire other forestry operators and native communities to certify their forests under the best global certification standards, showing the world that sustainable practices can thrive in Peru. These certified producers can become part of our productive and value chains, integrating into national and international markets for responsibly produced sustainable products. We also promote research, technological innovation, and technical knowledge transfer to new and small companies. Through a partnership with the NGO Aider and CITEIndigena, this is beginning to become a reality.
Memories of the University of Lima
What memories do you have of the University of Lima?
Many, most very pleasant. The kiosk, an Inka Kola, and seeing friends between classes. Great networking now that I look back. Very good professors, each contributing to our ongoing education. Thank you, Ulima!
Commitment to the Future of Forests
Drago Bozovich Noriega is not just a business leader; he is also a leader in the movement toward sustainable forestry in Peru. His story reflects the impact of vision, effort, and education in building a greener and more responsible future. With initiatives such as forest certification and the inclusion of native communities, Maderera Bozovich demonstrates that a well-managed forest is, indeed, a forest forever.
