Kim Carstensen, formerly FSC's Director General, facilitated the discussions. Forests, he said, were critical to planetary well-being. “The preservation of the forests of the Congo basin is a global task in which FSC-certified forestry plays a key role,” Kim added.
Groundbreaking research reinforces certification's impact
New scientific findings presented at the forum provided compelling evidence of the positive effects of FSC certification.
Biologist Joeri Zwerts from the University of Utrecht unveiled his groundbreaking study demonstrating a significant positive impact of FSC certification on large mammal populations in the Congo Basin, including leopards, gorillas, chimpanzees, forest antelopes, and elephants. "My study clearly shows there are more large mammals in FSC-certified concessions than uncertified," Zwerts stated.
Further research by Dr. Sarah Wolff from the Institute of Tropical Forestry of Germany revealed that certified concessions in the Congo Basin experienced 2.2% less deforestation than non-certified areas. She said sustainable forest management is essential to mitigate risks and provide habitats, sustenance, and economic opportunities for local communities.
Resonating with these findings, Professor Theo Pagel of Kölner Zoo, where the forum was held, spoke about a ‘one planet approach’ to species conservation. He affirmed that "where there is FSC, biodiversity is well protected," expressing optimism that positive actions can reverse the trend of endangered species.
FSC certificate holders and governments
The forum saw active participation from FSC certificate holders from Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo, alongside senior public servants from the governments of Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea.
Markus Pfannkuch, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Precious Woods, highlighted the crucial role of workers within the FSC system. He noted that FSC ensures workers receive fair pay and social contributions, which in turn reduces migration and illegal activities. Thom Van Loon of IFO/Interholco in Congo shared insights into his company's activities. He said Interholco has created tangible social and economic value for local communities, employing over 1,500 people and impacting approximately 18,000 families.
First lung of the planet
Chouaibou Nchoupouen, Deputy Executive Secretary of COMIFAC, participated online and highlighted the global significance of the Congo Basin. Nchoutpouen argued that the forests of the Congo Basin, with around 301 million hectares absorb approximately 720 million tonnes of CO2 annually and store enormous carbon reserves should be regarded as the "first lung of the planet."
William Lawyer, FSC Policy Manager for Africa, provided an update on FSC's activities in the Congo Basin, reporting that 6.33 million hectares are FSC Forest Management certified, nearly doubling the area since 2020. He stressed how FSC assists certificate holders in meeting both local and international regulations, including an innovative tool for EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance.
David Gaynor, Climate and Ecosystems Services Lead, discussed new approaches to generating financing for Congo Basin forest conservation, focusing on the role of ecosystem services.
A joint declaration
The forum concluded with a joint declaration from WWF Germany, FSC Germany, and ATIBT. The document outlined a shared vision for sustainable forest management, centring on three points:
- FSC certification as a proven sustainability tool: The declaration reaffirmed FSC certification as the leading standard for sustainable forest management in Central Africa, citing its clear environmental, social, and economic benefits.
- A socio-ecological approach to forest management: This calls for forest management that moves beyond technical standards to include local participation in governance, strengthened timber markets, enhanced biodiversity measures, and integrated socio-environmental criteria in funding. Innovative financing, it noted, was vital.
- Greater support for Central Africa's forest sector: Recognizing the private forestry sector's role as employer and income source, the declaration urged donors, financial institutions, and procurement actors to back FSC-certified companies through market recognition, demand stimulation, and inclusive procurement.
The Tropical Forestry Forum in Cologne highlighted that sustainable forestry—supported by certifications like FSC—is vital for protecting nature, climate, and local communities in the Congo Basin. However, greater market visibility and demand for sustainable tropical timber are needed. Experts agreed that only with increased, long-term efforts combining certified forestry and conservation can the Congo Basin’s forests and ecosystems be preserved.
Download (PDF): Joint declaration by WWF, FSC and ATIBT – Cologne, 22 May 2025
Lisez le rapport en français: La foresterie tropicale dans le bassin du Congo – Le forum à Cologne témoigne des succès et met en évidence les défis à lever
Read the report in English: Tropical forestry in the Congo Basin – Forum in Cologne documents successes and highlights challenges