- In Congo Basin, a new paradigm of sustainable forest management is taking shape—one that reconciles conservation imperatives with economic development through certification, community engagement, and ecotourism.
- While sustainable forestry lays the foundation, it is ecotourism that breathes economic life into the conservation agenda.
- By blending certified forestry, conservation, education, Indigenous empowerment, and ecotourism, a new model is offering a holistic strategy for managing forest landscapes sustainably.
Deep in the heart of Central Africa lies the Congo Basin—a sprawling, lush expanse of rainforest often referred to as the planet’s second lung after the Amazon. In the Republic of Congo, this natural wonder covers more than 60 percent of the country, acting as a carbon sink that mitigates global climate change while supporting the livelihoods of 75 million people. Yet, this ecological marvel is increasingly imperiled by deforestation, illegal logging, agricultural encroachment, and mining activities.
In response, a new paradigm of sustainable forest management is taking shape—one that reconciles conservation imperatives with economic development through certification, community engagement, and ecotourism.
A Forest Reimagined: The FSC Model Takes Root
The advent of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification in Congo represents a seismic shift in how tropical forests are perceived and managed. At the forefront of this transformation is Olam Agri, through its subsidiary Congolaise Industrielle des Bois (CIB), which has partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Kamba African Rainforest Experiences to forge an integrated model of responsible forestry.
A landmark milestone in 2022 saw Olam Agri achieve the first-ever FSC project certification in Africa for constructing an eco-friendly restaurant—La Grande Paillote—within the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. This achievement was not merely symbolic; it marked a tangible commitment to using only responsibly sourced timber, setting a precedent for sustainable construction practices in sensitive ecosystems.
The use of FSC-certified materials didn’t stop there. Timber from Olam Agri was also used to construct new buildings at the Bomassa Government Primary School, benefiting over 220 children, including Indigenous youth and girls, thus intertwining sustainability with social upliftment.
Guardians of the Wild: Safeguarding Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Central to the FSC certification are stringent requirements to protect biodiversity and preserve high conservation value areas. The Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, established in 1993, is home to more than 24,000 gorillas and 6,000 forest elephants. Olam Agri has been instrumental in conservation efforts, supporting anti-poaching patrols, biodiversity monitoring, and community outreach programs.
Their data-driven approach to forest operations has yielded remarkable environmental dividends. Through the careful analysis of ecological data, Olam Agri has managed to reduce logging road lengths and minimize ecological footprints. A crowning jewel of their environmental stewardship is the designation of 92,000 hectares in the Pikounda concession as a conservation area under the REDD+ programme—an initiative that underlines the company’s dedication to climate action through carbon sequestration.
Respecting Indigenous Rights: The FPIC Framework in Action
Sustainability in the Congo Basin is not solely about trees and wildlife—it is also about people. The principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), embedded within FSC’s guidelines, ensures that Indigenous communities are not mere bystanders in forest management but active stakeholders.
A poignant example is the Djéké Triangle, a 95-square-kilometre area rich in biodiversity and home to critically endangered western lowland gorillas. Through a two-year FPIC consultation process led by Olam Agri and WCS, the Djéké Triangle was officially included in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in February 2023. This historic decision was grounded in community consent and reaffirmed the Congolese government’s commitment to sustainable development that respects cultural and ecological heritage.
Tourism Meets Conservation: The Kamba Ecotourism Experience
While sustainable forestry lays the foundation, it is ecotourism that breathes economic life into the conservation agenda. Kamba African Rainforest Experiences, recognizing the value of collaboration, joined hands with CIB to craft a tourism model that prioritizes both environmental preservation and local empowerment.
The result is the rejuvenation of 24 eco-lodges at Lango and Mboko within the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Constructed using FSC-certified timber from Olam Agri, these lodges exemplify how conservation-focused tourism can spur job creation and economic growth. Kamba currently employs 100 people and indirectly supports the livelihoods of around 1,600 residents in surrounding communities.
Kamba’s vision goes beyond profit. Its alignment with Olam Agri and FSC’s principles underscores a shared belief: that forests can generate long-term economic benefits without compromising their ecological integrity.
Toward a New Forest Economy: A Replicable Model for the World
The CIB–Kamba–WCS triad represents more than a regional success story; it is a global blueprint for landscape-level forest management. Their collective work embodies FSC’s proposed integrated landscape certification framework—an approach that values inclusivity, ecosystem health, and local collaboration.
By blending certified forestry, conservation, education, Indigenous empowerment, and ecotourism, this model offers a holistic strategy for managing forest landscapes sustainably. It proves that development and conservation are not mutually exclusive but can be mutually reinforcing.
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