The one-day workshop examined FSC solutions for smallholders and community forests, the Draft Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for Liberia and the implications of the EUDR (European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free Products) in the forest sector (overview of how FSC aligns with the EUDR). Patrick Epie, FSC Congo Basin and West Africa Coordinator welcomed the participants to the workshop. In his remarks, he said Liberia’s Protected Forest Area Network Act (2003) aims at protecting at least 30% of the existing forest area of Liberia, representing about 1.5 million and the country has committed to restoring 25% of priority degraded forests by 2030 in its nationally determined contributions to climate change.
During the workshop, Gertrude Nyaley, Deputy Managing Director of the Forestry Development Authority, the government agency with the mandate of ensuring the sustainable management and conservation of Liberia’s forest discussed the importance of responsible forest management and the role of FSC certification in achieving the country’s sustainable development goals. She said that the collaboration between the government and FSC is crucial for the successful implementation of sustainable practices and the protection of biodiversity. She added that the standard development in Liberia and information sharing sessions such as this brings a lot of hope in the country.
Best practices from companies working with smallholders and FSC Certification
At the workshop, Weber & Schaer, a Hamburg-based company in Germany that sources from Certified smallholder rubber producers, presented their approach. Robert Zimmermeier, a representative attending on behalf of Weber & Schaer, outlined the company's commitment to developing a sustainable supply chain from the ground up in collaboration with smallholders and local tree growers. Robert told participants that the challenges of our time (climate change) require a greater focus on sustainable production and supply chains. He also stated that his company, which has been FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) certified since 2019, is committed to supporting smallholder forest managers from the south.
CMO is a company that provides support to smallholder forest managers in achieving FSC certification. During the workshop, Michal Brink, Chief Executive Officer of CMO, presented the company's approach, which has been successful in obtaining FSC certification for smallholders. Michal Brink said the approach has been used by small holders in getting premium prices in the international market for sustainable products. In his online presentation, Michal Brink discussed the benefits of FSC certification for smallholders and how it can open new market opportunities and improve livelihoods.
FSC Interim Forest Stewardship Standard in Liberia and smallholder certification
William Lawyer, Policy Manager FSC Africa and Jannicka Murphy, Policy Outreach Manager at FSC International presented FSC solutions designed to provide support to smallholders and community forests. Furthermore, they outlined the significance of group certification and FSC's contribution to advancing responsible forest management practices.
FSC is currently developing an Interim Forest Stewardship Standard in the Republic of Liberia. The objective of the standard is to provide a transparent and pragmatic framework for forest management that is aligned with international best practices and the specific context of Liberia. During the workshop, William Lawyer and Jannicka Murphy discussed how FSC is tailoring the interim standard to the specific context and needs of Liberia. They said the standard will provide a clear and practical framework for forest management practices that align with international best practices and contribute to Liberia's national goals.
Smallholder voices
Smallholder perspectives were also presented at the meeting, with group leaders from the smallholder community sharing their insights. Wilhelmina G. Mulbah Siaway, President of the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia, expressed her satisfaction at having the opportunity to present the perspectives and challenges faced by smallholders in this forum. She stated that the information session provided valuable insights that would be beneficial for smallholders. Her objective is to complete the standard process and provide smallholders with the assistance they require to flourish by leading her association in getting FSC-Certified.
EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in Liberia
Israel Bionyi, Senior Regional Communications Manager - Africa presented FSC’s solution suite to EUDR to the participants. He said FSC has developed a set of solutions called FSC Aligned for EUDR which offers a comprehensive suite of tools to empower companies of all sizes across the supply chain to meet their EUDR traceability, geolocation, and due diligence obligations.
Investing in responsible forest management
The mission ended with a visit to Firestone Liberia company, a sponsor of the FSC Interim Forest Stewardship Standard development process in Liberia.
The FSC workshop in Liberia demonstrates the organization's commitment to promoting responsible forest management practices and supporting stakeholders across the forestry sector. By working collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and the private sector, FSC is looking forward to a more sustainable future for Liberia's forests and the communities that depend on them.