The African company IFO has renewed the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody and Forest Management certificates. IFO was one of the pioneers of FSC certification in the Congo basin. IFO successfully passed their first audit by SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) in 2009. The certificates guarantee that the 1.16 million hectare forestry concession of IFO is administered in accordance with the social, economical and ecological standards of FSC. In doing so, IFO administers the largest certified continuous forest area in tropical regions. The certification procedure was carried out by Rainforest Alliance.
Alongside the FSC, swisspeace, Forest Peoples Program (FPP) and with national NGO’s and stakeholders in the Republic of the Congo, IFO could develop a new standard for the Congo basin. This standard, which has already been realised by IFO, will prove fundamental for the region.
“We are very happy that our many efforts concerning sustainable, ecological and socially responsible operations in the Congo basin have been recognised. The fruitful cooperation with all our partners has not only strengthened our business culture, but has also had a positive effect on the social and ecological basic conditions of the forestry sector in the Congo basin,” explains Ulrich Grauert, Managing Director of Interholco.
Danzer is a leading quality hardwood company. Danzer owns and manages forests sustainably and produces veneer, timber and innovative value-added wood products for decorative purposes.
