The workshop held on 14 January 2014 in Brazzaville by PPECF / COMIFAC-kfw served as a springboard for the promotion of certified forests in Central Africa. It drew sixty participants from governments, international institutions, donors, logging companies, international and national NGOs, and ENSAF students, the organizers. Participants were drilled on specific and varied topics, in the  presence of Mr. Joachim KONDI, General Manager of l’Economie Forestiere, National COMIFAC Coordinator for Congo and Michel ELENGA, Chief of Staff of the Minister of Forest Economy and Sustainable Development. The presentations focused on:

♦ The project’s genesis and objectives, projected activities and expected outcomes, funding mechanisms and progress status;

♦ Congo’s experience in the area of forest management and certification;

♦ The biennial work programme for 2014-2015.

The aim was to present the Programme for the Promotion of Certified Forests (PPECF) to concession holders and stakeholders in sustainable forest and wildlife resource management in Congo Basin countries. Following vibrant and fruitful discussions, the participants reiterated their commitment to the Congo Basin forest certification process and its success. To this end, they made ​​recommendations highlighting among other things:

♦ The COMIFAC National Coordinator’s role in relaying countries’ priorities in the promotion of certification;

♦ COMIFAC’s advocacy role at the level of international institutions, in favor of lower costs of satellite imagery used in Congo Basin forest management;

♦ An appeal to PPECF for technical, organizational, financial and institutional support of Congo Basin countries.

The final communiqué which brought the workshop to an end expressed the participants’ and authorities’ satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the workshop and achievement of objectives.

For more information on the conduct of the workshop, please download the final communiqué below:

PPECF-Communiqué final-Atelier-Congo.pdf (129.5 Ko)