The two forest managers, Les Scieries du Betsileo (LSB) and Hazovato are the first forest managers in the world to earn FSC certification under the new FSC Controlled Forest Management (CFM) certification standards.
Rich but fragile ecosystem
Madagascar is a country rich in biodiversity but increasingly vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Years of deforestation have severely impacted its ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. Therefore, sustainable forest management is essential to preserve these ecosystems and ensure the survival of local communities.
Committed to sustainable forest management
Determined to achieve FSC certification despite the absence of an FSC National Standard in the country, LSB and Hazovato began their CFM certification journey in early 2024. Working closely with FSC Southern Africa and accredited certification bodies, they prepared, mapped plantations, identified High Conservation Value areas, and strengthened their management practices.
FSC’s Controlled Forest Management Standard (CFM)
Launched on 1 January 2024 (FSC-STD-30-010 V3-0), the Controlled Forest Management standard represents the most significant evolution in FSC’s Controlled Wood system since its inception.
While the former Controlled Wood approach relied on risk assessments to exclude “unacceptable” wood from certified supply chains, it lacked the measurable, field-based performance validation of full FSC Forest Management (FM) certification.
CFM addresses this gap by moving to a performance-based model, integrating more than 70% of the International Generic Indicators (IGIs) applied in full FM standards. The result is stronger environmental protection, higher social responsibility safeguards, and improved traceability — even in countries that do not yet have a national FSC standard.
Importantly, under FSC Advice Note ADVICE-40-004-27, material from CFM-certified forests is recognised as “certified” within the FSC system. While current rules limit its sale to raw and semi-finished products destined for FSC-certified clients, FSC is exploring pathways for finished CFM-derived products to carry the FSC Mix 70% label in the future — a move that could expand global market opportunities.
Les Scieries du Betsileo (LSB)
Founded in October 1998 by François Bueche, Les Scieries du Betsileo operates from Fianarantsoa on Madagascar’s central highlands. The company employs 118 permanent staff, about 10 day labourers, and multiple subcontracting teams totalling 150–200 people.
LSB’s production reached 22,000 m³ in 2023, including sawn timber, wood chips, firewood, and briquettes. Since 2009, the company has managed the 3,750-hectare Mandaratsy Forest under a 30-year morest management contract with the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the Republic of Madagascar.
In early 2024, LSB initiated its CFM certification process. By mid-2025, it became the first forest manager globally to achieve FSC Controlled Forest Management certification, covering 3,500 hectares. This achievement is groundbreaking not only for Madagascar but also for Africa and the world.
Hazovato
Established in 1956, Hazovato® has a long history in producing high-quality wooden products, from furniture and staircases to prefabricated wooden houses. Operating from Antsirabe, the company sources timber from its plantations for both structural and decorative purposes — with past projects including contributions to Madagascar’s national airport.
In the second quarter of 2025, Hazovato earned CFM certification for 244.99 hectares of managed forest. Given its production of value-added wood products and trade links with LSB, Hazovato also obtained FSC Chain of Custody certification, allowing it to produce and market FSC-certified furniture, construction materials, and other timber products.
Building a model for countries without FSC National Standards
In Southern Africa, only 6 out of 13 countries currently operate under full FM or interim FSC standards. CFM offers a critical stepping-stone for countries such as Madagascar, Angola, and Malawi, enabling forest enterprises to align with FSC requirements while national standards are in development.
A global and regional first
This achievement establishes Africa as the birthplace of the FSC CFM model. The pioneering work of LSB and Hazovato is expected to inspire forestry companies, NGOs, and governments worldwide to consider CFM certification as a viable pathway to sustainable forest management.
As stipulated by CFM requirements, both companies must transition to full FSC Forest Management certification within five years, once Madagascar’s national standard is finalised. This aligns with FSC Southern Africa’s long-term goal of expanding fully certified forest areas across the region.