Deforestation and degradation of forests is a global challenge. According to FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations, in Africa more than two million hectares of forest cover is lost every year. Sustainable forestry is one tool to fight against the issue.
In August, Finnfund organised training to its staff together with FSC, a global organization dedicated to providing solutions and promoting of responsible forest management. Finnfund is a Finnish development finance company that promotes sustainable development by providing long-term risk capital for private projects in developing countries. Finnfund concentrates on two sectors: renewable energy and sustainable forestry. Here Finnfund is ready to take an active part in developing projects that will generate significant value-added. Forestry projects are primarily in low-income countries as well as poorer areas of middle-income countries. Finnfund requires its clients to work towards compliance with international good practice standards on sustainable forestry, such as FSC. Therefore, Finnfund encourages its clients to become certified and provides support along the journey.
The training was held in collaboration with FSC Finland and FSC Africa.