Six certified companies (CIB-OLAM, CBG-CPBG, CEB-Precious Woods, IFO-Interholco, Rougier Groupe, GWZ-Wijma), forestry experts, Researchers from the University of Liege, ATIBT Managing Direction, WWF-International and the FSC Congo Basin Programme Manager attended the meeting.
Representatives from the FSC Congo Basin Programme updated the audience regarding the decisions taken by the FSC Board of Directors, in its 72nd session in Charleston, concerning the Motion 65 default clause.
It has been clearly highlighted by FSC certified companies and ATIBT affiliated members that FSC values are fundamental for ATIBT FSC certified members, and for the credibility for ATIBT. Some companies mentioned the fact that FSC values form part of their DNA.
Some key points have been raised by the participants, and provide an overview of the way forward:
- ATIBT affiliated members will be more involved in FSC processes going forward, in order to have a better representation, within the FSC system, of certified companies operating in tropical natural forests. ATIBT would like to play a leading role there;
- ATIBT wants to mandate an expert to work on a technical proposal to submit to the FSC HCV Regional Working Group. An expert has been identified and terms of reference will be drafted soon;
- ATIBT members are confident that an acceptable solution can be found;
- FSC-CBO clarified the importance of WRI work and the need now to define IFLs core areas;
- Dialogue with Governments from Congo Basin countries on Motion 65 and Intact Forest Landscapes will be initiated or strengthened by FSC-CBO by the end of this year;
- A strong message has been delivered by ATIBT: FSC model should be economically compatible with companies’ business model and achievable IFLs indicators shall be developed to maintain FSC certification in Congo Basin;
- To move forward on IFLs indicators: a working session was scheduled on 19th September 2016 at CIRAD Headquarters by FSC Congo Basin Office to move forward on the development of IFLs indicators for Congo Basin. The audience included the FSC HCV Congo Basin Officer, Wildlife Conservation Society, Forestry Consultants and CIRAD Researchers for a mapping exercise of core areas delineation (using Marxsan) and core areas definition in the Congo Basin;
- The 2nd working session of HCV-Regional Working Group will be held in Brazzaville (2-3 Nov 2016). The HCV Congo Basin Officer will update the working group on outcomes of the meeting at CIRAD and members will identify key needed experts and scientists to be associated for the development of HCV and IFLs indicators. A draft 0 of the HCV Regional Guideline has been developed and will be shared with the regional working group before this November meeting.