Africa’s forests remain among the planet’s most vital ecological assets, spanning the Congo Basin’s 248 million hectares and the culturally rich but increasingly fragmented Guinean Forests of West Africa. Despite their vast cultural, ecological and economic value, many countries continue to face accelerating deforestation driven by agriculture, mining and unregulated exploitation. These trends are already disrupting rainfall patterns, degrading biodiversity and limiting economic benefits for the more than 400 million people who depend on these forests.
The Zamba Heritage Initiative, launched by FSC and partner governments, seeks to reverse these trends. It is aligned with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the AU 2020–2030 Sustainable Forest Management Framework, focusing on sustainable forest management, land restoration and innovative financing across the Congo Basin and West Africa.
Cameroon advances engagement with FSC
On Jan. 12, Peter Alele (Ph.D.), FSC Africa Regional Director led an FSC delegation met with Cameroon’s Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife in Yaoundé to deepen collaboration ahead of the Nairobi congress.
The delegation included Prudence Galega (FSC Africa Advisory Council Member), Harrison Nnoko (FSC Africa Member), Patrick Épié (Congo Basin and West Africa Coordinator, FSC), William Lawyer (Africa Policy Manager, FSC Africa) and Israel Bionyi (senior regional communications manager). The meeting was chaired by Mendomo Mbiang on behalf of the minister.
Discussions centered on Cameroon’s prospective role within the Zamba Heritage Initiative and opportunities to strengthen sustainable forest management across the Congo Basin. Cameroon confirmed its participation in the Nairobi meeting and agreed to pursue a pathway toward a formal partnership with FSC.
Gabon reviews progress on Zamba Heritage Initiative
On January 14, Gabon’s Minister of Forests and Water, Maurice Ntossui Allogo, received an FSC delegation led by Harrison Kojwang, Senior Advisor at FSC International.
The meeting assessed progress made under the Zamba Heritage initiative, identified the structural activities the ministry will advance and discussed Gabon’s participation in next month’s congress.
FSC is providing ongoing technical support for Gabon’s forest governance efforts, capacity building for forestry officials and the promotion of FSC certification among local businesses. 
Through Zamba Heritage, Gabon aims to expand sustainably managed forest areas, restore degraded land and strengthen public‑private partnerships as part of its broader environmental and economic strategy.
Republic of Congo reaffirms FSC commitment
On January 16, an FSC delegation led by Dr. Peter Alele met with Dr. Rosalie Matondo, Minister of Forest Economy of the Republic of Congo, to discuss the country’s engagement in the Zamba Heritage Initiative.
The delegation, which included Patrick Épié, was received alongside Senior Ministry officials, including Paulette Ebina Taraganzo, Director of Forests. Congo reaffirmed its commitment to FSC principles and confirmed its participation in the Nairobi congress.
FSC teams will travel next to the Democratic Republic of Congo on January 20–21 for a high‑level engagement with the Minister of Environment of the country.
Central Africa is home to the world’s second‑largest tropical forest and is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the future of sustainable forest management on the continent. Through Zamba Heritage, governments and partners aim to protect critical ecosystems while unlocking the economic value of Africa’s for generations to come.
Register to join the Zamba Heritage Congress: https://africa.fsc.org/en-cd/newsfeed/registration-opens-for-zamba-heritage-initiative-congress-set-for-february-2026