Forest Stewardship Council - Eastern Africa

FSC Forest Week 2024 provided a platform for you to share the everyday actions you’re taking to protect forests, and you embraced it. We saw the swops you made and the small steps you took to create big change for all.⁣ ⁣ It didn’t stop there. More than 1,400 organizations, including top brands, further amplified the message, uniting in a commitment for our forests. Let’s not stop here. Let’s make every week #FSCForestWeek.⁣ ⁣ Thank you for your commitment and join us again next year from 20 – 26 September!

FSC Eastern Africa Hosts Ethiopia IFSS Training in Bishoftu! Last week, our Certification Officers,Charles Msonge and Meseret Shiferaw, led a successful training on the Ethiopia Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. The 4-day training brought together 27 participants, including representatives from potential Certificate Holders (CHs), government partners, and NGOs. This diverse group collaborated to deepen their understanding of the Ethiopia IFSS, fostering knowledge-sharing and strengthening partnerships to advance sustainable forestry practices in the region. We are proud of the commitment shown by all participants and extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to this milestone event. Together, we’re shaping a future of responsible forest management in Ethiopia! #FSCEasternAfrica #EthiopiaIFSS #SustainableForestry #BishoftuTraining #ResponsibleForestry

As we approach the end of the year, we want to celebrate our collective achievements as a global organization of forest stewards. Together with our network and partners, we have worked to protect and conserve what lies at the core of our mission - biodiversity in the world’s forests. Take a look at the key positive impacts that responsible forest stewardship has had on biodiversity in 2024! 🐘 FSC-certified forests in Gabon and the Republic of Congo support more large mammals, including endangered species, than non-certified forests. 🌳 In Poland, the updated FSC Standard prioritizes the protection of rare ecosystems and old-growth forests, supporting biodiversity hotspots and iconic species like the European bison and brown bear. 🌱 The Fast-Tracking Biodiversity Assessment, led in collaboration with @WWF and @IKEA, shows FSC certification’s positive impact, from protecting over 300 threatened species in Brazil to setting aside 460% more area for forest conservation than required by law in Finland. These efforts highlight the critical role of sustainable forestry in protecting biodiversity. To find out more about our ongoing work, visit: https://bit.ly/3Tz8tM2 #FSCStandards #ForestsForAllForever #FSC2024 Forest Stewardship Council - Eastern Africa

This week, the FSC Africa team gathers for a transformative retreat, where strategy meets inspiration, and collaboration drives action. From December 4th–8th, 2024, we’re coming together to reflect on our journey, align on priorities, and set bold ambitions for the future of responsible forestry in Africa. What makes this retreat special? It’s not just about planning—it’s about reimagining how we can deliver lasting impact for forests, communities, and businesses. Across these days, we’ll tackle critical themes such as: 🌿 Innovating in Forest Certification: Exploring new ways to protect and manage Africa’s forest landscapes. 🤝 Deepening Partnerships: Building alliances to amplify sustainability efforts across the continent. 📈 Driving Excellence: Strengthening market readiness, governance, and operational strategy for the challenges ahead. ✨ Envisioning the Future: Charting a shared vision of what the future of responsible forestry in Africa can look like—and how we’ll get there. We’ll also take time to reconnect as a team through collaborative sessions and a field visit to witness FSC’s impact on the ground. At FSC Africa, we believe in the power of people to drive change. This retreat is a testament to the dedication of our team and partners in ensuring forests continue to thrive for generations to come. Follow along as we share insights, milestones, and stories from this pivotal gathering. Together, we’re building a future where forests are for all, forever. Charles Msonge,Paul Stephen Opanga,Israel Bionyi Nyoh,Hypp Renaud BOUMI MFOUBAT NIONGUI,Bilha Asunda,Meseret Shiferaw,Peter O. Alele, Ph.D.,Siphelele Masondo,Jose Tagle,Agasha Annah,carmen stephanie wandja mbianda,Gerard Busse,Nana Darko Cobbina,Richard F.,Patrick Epie,gertrude ogwok,Marion Barriskell,Frida Salim. #FSCAfrica #Sustainability #ForestsForAllForever #Teamwork

A New Era for Ethiopia’s Forests: FSC Interim Standard Launch In case you missed it, on December 2, 2024, history was made in Addis Ababa with the official launch of the FSC Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for Ethiopia—a monumental step forward for sustainable forestry in Africa. This event celebrated Ethiopia’s leadership in responsible forest management and showcased the power of partnerships and bold vision to address global challenges like deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. The event featured powerful addresses from distinguished leaders, including H.E. Ato Kebede Yimam, who highlighted Ethiopia’s bold forestry ambitions; Annah Agasha, who outlined the transformative potential of the FSC Standard; and Dr. Kibruyisfa Sisay, who explored forestry’s role as a pillar of green economic growth. Dr. Selim Reza shed light on the untapped potential of bamboo in advancing climate resilience, while FSC leaders Dr. Peter Alele and Ms. Marion Barriskell underscored the global significance of Ethiopia’s commitment to sustainable forestry. The event culminated in a landmark launch ceremony, led by Chief Guest H.E. Ato Kebede Yimam, celebrating Ethiopia’s leadership on the world stage. This launch was a collaborative triumph, uniting key players like the Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD), INBAR, Forests of the World, Ethio Wetlands and Natural Resources Association (EWNRA), and the Soil Association. Representatives from embassies, the World Bank, and global research organizations joined in solidarity, reaffirming Ethiopia’s vital role in global sustainability efforts. The FSC Interim Standard for Ethiopia is more than a framework; it’s a blueprint for a future where economic growth, community well-being, and environmental conservation thrive together. It sets a global example of how courage, collaboration, and innovation can transform the forestry sector. As Ethiopia embarks on this exciting journey, FSC Africa is honored to stand alongside the nation as a partner. #FSC #Ethiopia #IFSSLaunch #Sustainability #ClimateAction #ForestManagement #Collaboration #Leadership #GlobalImpact

🌳 As we continue to celebrate the Forest Stewardship Council's 30th anniversary, we reflect on what has been accomplished in Africa since 1996 and feel proud to help shape a healthier and safer world. Forests are key to reversing the climate and biodiversity crises we face and restoring ecosystem balance. By protecting and nurturing them, we ensure the wellbeing of all forms of life. 🐘 🦋 Tomorrow might seem uncertain, but with your ongoing support, we will continue building a more sustainable future together. 💚 Learn more about our mission and how you can contribute: https://lnkd.in/dF2g5ujt #FSCForLife #30YearsOfFSC

Verified Impact by FSC has enabled a Republic of Congo certificate holder achieve impressive biodiversity results. The initiatives allowed the maintenance of populations of priority species gorilla, chimpanzee and forest elephant, and the ecological integrity of the forest.🐘🦍 👓Find out more about this successful case in our new Africa Verified Impact Brochure: https://lnkd.in/dpwvPXbM #ForestsForAllForever #VerifiedImpact #AfricaEcosystems#biodiversity

FSC Courtesy Call to Kenya Forest Services🇰🇪 We are pleased to share that a delegation from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), led by our esteemed leadership, recently conducted a courtesy call to the Kenya Forest Services (KFS). The team included Marion Barriskell, COO of FSC International;Jose Tagle, Global Network Deputy Director; Peter O. Alele, Ph.D., Africa Regional Director; and Harrison Kajwang, Senior Advisor. We had the privilege of meeting with Beatrice Mbula, the Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, along with her dedicated team. During our discussions, we explored KFS's responsible forestry initiatives and their ongoing journey toward FSC certification. Excitingly, KFS is actively working to certify four blocks in the Aberdares and Eburu regions. KFS has reaffirmed its commitment to certification and will be integrating this important process into all upcoming projects. We look forward to supporting KFS in their efforts toward sustainable forest management and ensuring a brighter future for our forests! #FSC #KenyaForestServices #SustainableForestry #ForestryCertification #Aberdares #Eburu

"The FSC Standard is a powerful tool to ensure that Ethiopia’s forests are managed responsibly, balancing ecological protection, economic growth, and social equity." – Agasha Annah , FSC Coordinator, East Africa #FSC #Sustainability #ForestManagement #Ethiopia #IFSSLaunch

"I am deeply grateful to all the dedicated players who have worked tirelessly to shape this Interim Standard, each contributing their expertise and vision. The collaborative effort behind this initiative underscores the strength of our shared commitment to sustainable forestry. The potential of this journey excites me—it marks the beginning of a transformative path for Ethiopia’s forest sector. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Government of Ethiopia for its leadership and unwavering support in this vital endeavor, as together, we lay the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future." –Jose Tagle, Global Network Deputy Director, FSC #FSC #Sustainability #ForestManagement #Ethiopia #IFSSLaunch #Collaboration #Gratitude