Project: Identification, management and monitoring of High Conservation Values (HCV): case study integrated in SFID (Rougier Group, Djoum site)-kindly download the Terms of Reference of the Project

The roadmap of High Conservation Values which is currently being prepared by the PPECF project partners will set forth guidelines for the identification, management and monitoring of HCVs in a few months’ time. The procedures and indicators to be set out therein may lay the groundwork for FSC-certified forest concessions or those undergoing certification. However, this reflection must draw on previous experience and future needs in the area of HCV management and their attendant properties. A study encompassing all stages from identification to monitoring of indicators could serve as an indispensable model for the elaboration of this roadmap and would provide a comprehensive, tangible model that can be replicated to all types of forest concessions. 

The Rougier Group operates over 2,000,000ha of forest concessions in the heartland of Central Africa (Gabon, Cameroon and Congo). Through a variety of certifications (TLTV-VLO, FSC Controlled Wood, FSC Forest Management), the company has committed over a span of many years to sustainable forest management. It is currently steering the bulk of its sites towards FSC certification, which is one of the most stringent standards and compliant socially, environmentally and economically. As of now, close to half of its forests have already acquired this internationally recognized label. This commitment is noteworthy as there are currently very few companies in the Congo basin that remain inclined to get new concessions FSC certified.

In this context, SFID (Société Forestière et Industrielle de la Doumé), the Cameroonian  chapter of the group, has applied for assistance from asbl Nature plus to conduct studies to identify, manage and monitor High Conservation Value (HCV) forests. This concept remains little known in Central Africa and needs to be standardized. The study would therefore contribute to the broader reflection on the HCV roadmap while providing indispensable support for certification of SFID-Djoum.

In fact, the Rougier Group plans to apply for the FSC Controlled Wood certificate (FSC‐STD‐ 30010) for this concession by the end of 2013 to early 2014. Based on this standard, HCVs are required to be duly identified and an action plan established. This intervention requires speedy implementation in order to achieve the expected results to contribute to the FSC Controlled Wood audit of SFID in Djoum and equally to meet the deadlines for preparing the roadmap.

This assistance will focus initially on the Djoum site (FMU 09003‐09004‐09005a‐09005b, 09007‐09008, 09006) which covers approximately 340.000 ha.

The study proposes a subsequent comprehensive HCV study, from the identification of HCVs and their management mechanisms to the definition of their monitoring indicators. In addition to the technical paper, a summary (omitting confidential information) to be made public will be drafted to popularize and inform all stakeholders. A document highlighting difficulties encountered and solutions found in following the guidelines on HCVs will equally be offered. Lastly, a final workshop with stakeholders will be organized in order to share experience on this intervention and fuel reflection on the HCV roadmap.

Please download the Terms of the Reference of the Project: Identification, management and monitoring of High Conservation Values (HCV): case study integrated in SFID (Rougier Group, Djoum site)-kindly download the Terms of Reference of the Project