As a Forest Management (FM) and Chain of Custody (CoC) certifications auditor with Soil Association Certification, Erick has spent the past five years traveling across Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda— verifying sustainable forestry practices and bearing witness to the vital role FSC plays in shaping resilient landscapes and communities across Eastern Africa.
“What started as a job has become a calling,” says Ogallo. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve received — not only to grow professionally as an auditor, but to contribute meaningfully to the development of FSC certification across Kenya and the wider region. It has been an affirming and empowering experience.”
What FSC auditing means — and why it matters
At its core, FSC auditing is about trust. An FSC auditor works with businesses and forest owners to verify that their forestry practices align with FSC’s global standards for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. These audits cover every link in the supply chain — from FM to CoC — ensuring wood and wood‑based products come from responsibly managed forests.
“For me, auditing is about more than compliance,” explains Ogallo. “It’s about aligning businesses with global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) best practices, making a concrete difference for forests and for the people who depend on them.”
Through this meticulous process, FSC auditing guarantees traceability, accountability, and credibility. It gives businesses, communities, and buyers the confidence that FSC-certified products support conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth, aligning FSC’s mission with global efforts to safeguard forests for future generations.
A journey of impact and challenges
Since conducting his first remote CoC audit for East African Paper Mills in 2021, Erick has conducted an impressive 50 Chain of Custody audits across the region — 3 in 2021, 8 in 2022, 16 in 2023, 14 in 2024, and 8 so far in 2025. Meanwhile, his Forest Management audits have taken him deep into Uganda’s forests — working with the Uganda Tree Growers Association (UTGA), Busoga Forestry Company, and New Forests Company. In Tanzania, he did FM audit for the Mpingo Conservation and Development Initiative (MCDI).
These audits have offered profound insights into how FSC standards translate into benefits for forests, communities, and businesses, aligning corporate strategies with global ESG priorities and making a measurable difference on the ground.
“Certification is more than a stamp of compliance,” reflects Ogallo. “It is a powerful lever for sustainability that aligns businesses with global best practices and make a concrete difference in forests and people’s lives.”
But the path has not been without its challenges. Erick has witnessed firsthand the struggles many stakeholders face. From interpreting FSC requirements and understanding trademark use, to grappling with low awareness about the benefits of certification. In some areas, unregulated timber markets and limited access to training has made it harder for businesses and communities to adopt FSC standards fully.
“Each country has its context, its hurdles,” he explains. “The biggest lesson for me has been seeing how a hands-on approach. Through training, site visits, and ongoing support can bridge the gap between standards and practice. These moments prove that FSC’s role goes far beyond auditing. It’s about building understanding, trust, and long-term resilience for both forests and communities.”
Throughout this journey, FSC has been a guiding force, providing training, exposure visits, and ongoing capacity‑building that shaped Erick as an auditor and advocate. The cross-border experience across Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda gave him a deep understanding of the diverse forest management practices across the region, reinforcing the critical need for localized support and targeted communication.
“FSC has held my hand every step of the way,” he says. “The investment in my growth has strengthened my technical expertise and deepened my sense of belonging and purpose within this mission. FSC is more than an organization. It is a movement, and I am proud to be part of it.”
East Africa and beyond, FSC acts as a catalyst for sustainable forestry, responsible enterprise, and climate resilience. Its audits embed trust, traceability, and integrity into forest management and supply chains, a foundation upon which communities, businesses, and ecosystems can thrive.
“The lessons I’ve learned through audits, training, and regional engagements can serve as practical reference points as FSC deepens its footprint across East Africa and other emerging markets,” he says. “I’m excited for the next chapter and for the opportunity to continue supporting FSC’s vital mission for years to come.”
With passionate professionals like Erick Ogallo at its core, FSC Eastern Africa stands poised to build on its legacy, safeguarding forests, supporting communities, and shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for the planet.