The Africa advisory committee was first launched by FSC Africa in 2022 during the regional members meeting held at Accra, Ghana in August 2022 with six members selected from across Africa. Following that, FSC initiated a call for nominations from its membership. The process ended with the selection of three FSC Africa members to join the committee.
The members of the committee include:
- Dr Musonda Mumba (Zambia) – Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar);
- Brian Aitken (South Africa) – experienced forester, forestry entrepreneur (South Africa and Mozambique), and former Chair of Forestry South Africa;
- Professor Godwin Kowero (Tanzania) – a well-known forest economist who founded and is the current Executive Secretary of the African Forest Forum;
- Dr James Kiyiapi (Kenya) – forestry academic and senior Kenyan government official (former Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Environment and Health);
- Ms Prudence Galega (Cameroon) – one of Africa’s negotiators at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and Biodiversity, she worked as a judge before becoming permanent secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection, and Sustainable Development;
- Dr Yemi Katerere (Zimbabwe) – former Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Forest Commission and former Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN);
- Mr Edward Mupada – Africa Regional Director, Navigators Africa;
- Dr Michal Brink – CEO CMO and FSC Economic Chamber Member;
- Dr Marie Mbolo – Lecturer, University of Yaoundé 1.
A key function of the Africa advisory committee is to provide guidance and expertise to FSC Africa in its efforts to promote responsible forest management and sustainable practices throughout Africa.
With the full constitution of the Africa advisory committee, FSC Africa gains access to high-profile sectoral talent that can guide the organization’s efforts across the continent.
FSC Africa’s ability to address the unique challenges and opportunities of the African forestry sector is expected to be greatly enhanced by the creation of the Africa advisory committee. It is FSC Africa’s goal to enhance its impact and effectiveness in promoting sustainable forest management practices throughout the region by leveraging the collective wisdom and insights of these high-level experts. =
With the completion of its advisory committee, FSC Africa is well positioned to advance responsible forestry practices in Africa. By providing FSC Africa with strategic guidance and expert advice, the committee members are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the forestry sector.
In partnership with its advisory committee, FSC Africa will develop and implement initiatives that will contribute to the long-term sustainability of Africa’s forests. This esteemed group of experts will help FSC Africa drive positive change, protect biodiversity, and empower local communities reliant on forests.