Jun 24, 2015. /Lesprom Network/. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Government of Congo signed a co operation agreement to recognize the installation of FSC’s sub-regional coordination office in Brazzaville, to promote the sustainable management of Congolese forests, and to facilitate international market access for the FSC -certified woods originating in the country.

The cooperation agreement will contribute to the implementation of the sustainable forest management policy, adopted by the Republic of Congo 2000, in which sustainable management of forest concessions and improving forest governance constitute strategic policies and priorities.

The implementation of the first management plans developed under the program of forest management, launched by the Ministry of Forest Economy and Sustainable Development 2001, has led to the certification, under the FSC certification scheme of almost 2.5 million hectares, representing 50% of FSC-certified forest area in the Congo Basin.