Nairobi to host forest stewardship council meeting

In line with its global objectives and interest to promote its work in Africa, The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is holding its annual FSC African members meeting along with a special session dedicated to tropical forestry from May 13 to 18 in Nairobi.

Presided over by Kim Carstensen, Director General of FSC and Harrison Kojwang, FSC Africa Regional Director, the event will host members of the economic, social and environmental chambers along with stakeholders including a delegation of WWF International, environmental and conservation researchers.

One of the aims of the forum is to create stronger local partnerships in Kenya and East Africa to develop adoption of national standards for FSC-certification and promote certification of natural forests, improve management of existing certified plantations and identify ways to enhance FSC-certified smallholders.

FSC is also keen to drive market forces in the region to encourage them towards sustainable sourcing of forest products as a mechanism to facilitate access to international markets.

On a broader level, attendees will discuss a continent-wide strategy to enhance FSC’s mission as a global reference in responsible forest management and increase its capacity to achieve its goals in a region that is crucial for the long-term survival of forests.

In addition to the members’ meeting, FSC is also holding a tropical forestry meeting to discuss and seek long-term solutions to the specific issues related to the management and certification of tropical rainforests, with a focus on the Congo Basin.