Zimbabwe is back on the FSC Map!

Border Timbers and The Wattle Company have reinstated their FSC forest management certification in May 2022, after a 10-year period. This was achieved under the Group Scheme certification services offered by CMO Logistics (Pty) Ltd.

CMO Logistics assisted Border Timbers and The Wattle Company with the training of foresters and contractors, internal audits, assistance with the closure of any gaps in compliance and was present at the 3rd party audit carried out by SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

Ms Manushka Moodley, FSC Southern Africa Coordinator said, “we are extremely proud of the commitment made by Borders Timbers, The Wattle Company, and CMO in achieving FSC certification again in Zimbabwe.”

 “This milestone provides inspiration to the rest of the Zimbabwean forestry sector seeking independent verification of their responsible forest management practices. FSC looks forward to further supporting FSC certification in the country.”

The certified area covers 20,000 hectares located in the Manicaland Province. There are already plans afoot to expand the FSC-certified area by the Group Scheme Members within 2022. 

Dr Michal Brink, CMO South Africa (Pty) Ltd stated, “we are so proud of our association with Border Timbers and Wattle Company, whose plantations form the members of the group scheme after an absence from FSC for more than a decade.”

“I'm particularly proud of being able to be personally involved in making this happen in my country of birth and where I grew up – Pamberi/Forward Zimbabwe”.

“We are delighted to demonstrate compliance with responsible forest management by re-entering the FSC certification fray after an absence of over 10 years. Our BTL team has displayed a huge commitment to making this a reality, and I am so proud of the contribution of both our contractors and our own staff alike.  We also acknowledge the role CMO Zimbabwe played in leading us through the process over the last 12 months.  We are here to stay “ said Mr Erhard Kuhn, MD of Border Timbers.