On 20 January 2014, FSC Africa and FSC International welcomed CEOs FSC certified or responsible companies from the Congo Basin (Danzer Group for IFO, Groupe Rougier, OLAM International for CIB, Precious Woods for CEB, WIJMA) and ATIBT in Bonn, to talk about FSC in the Congo Basin and strengthening collaboration. The purpose of the meeting was to initiate a reflection on how a future collaboration can work to find ways to assist the tropical timber market, especially in Central Africa, over the medium and long term.
Kim Carstensen highlighted the importance for FSC to work closely with ATIBT and his members as this stakeholder group is key for strengthening FSC’s presence in the Sub Region, and FSC hopes to continue discussions its orientations with this group in the future. It was noticed that IFL and HCV debates are key in the National Standards revision process (December 2015). Together with other stakeholders (Certificate Holders, Worker Unions, Administrations, NGO’s, Civil Society, Donors, Association), FSC International will built a mid and long term strategy for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic.
The companies that participated in the meeting will attend the next General Assembly in Seville.