02.05.2024. This year, INTERHOLCO celebrated Earth Day (22 April) choosing the planet over plastics – with PAFC certification. PAFC stands for ‘Pan African Forest Certification’ and is the brainchild of Congo Basin countries, such as Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of Congo.
IMAGEO - ATIBT 2022
Cameroon, Congo and Gabon, three neighbouring countries sharing the same forest and a similar forest legislation, chose to shape and share one system aiming for one and the same goal. 'PAFC is set to help promote sustainable forest management, making it more pragmatic and practical, thanks to its development respecting the local context' explains Mr. Brice Séverin Pongui, Chairman of PAFC-Congo. Developed together with national and international experts and NGOs, the regional PAFC system substituted the national systems once in place in Gabon and Cameroon and is the first for Congo.
Interholco
Several well-established practices, such as reduced impact logging (EFIR in French) and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes with Indigenous Peoples and local communities are embedded in the system. Unlike other existing international standards, established many miles away from tropical forests, PAFC was built from the ground up, in and for the Congo Basin.
That could possibly explain why the PAFC certification system is the first to contain two new requirements linked to current climate issues: the mapping of the carbon stock in a forest, and a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions assessment linked to forestry operations.
Interholco
Climate change is an existential threat to forest ecosystems worldwide. The natural habitat of hundreds of animal species is at risk and so is the identity and survival of 18,000 inhabitants who depend on the Ngombé forest that INTERHOLCO strives to manage responsibly in the North of the Republic of Congo.
‘PAFC is a pioneering initiative initiated in the field, by the field. Although already FSC-certified for more than 10 years,’ recalls Tom van Loon, INTERHOLCO’s Head of Sustainability, ‘we decided to double up on forest certification, to deliver to the needs and expectations of the local constituents, who are particularly vulnerable to the nefarious effects of climate change.’
This year, Earth Day focuses on ‘Planet vs plastics’. Plastic production accounts for 5% of U.S. crude oil consumption. This may not seem like a lot but for the world’s largest consumer of petroleum, that’s equivalent to 330 million barrels of oil a year and therefore contributes to climate change as well!
Interholco
This year, Earth Day focuses on ‘Planet vs plastics’. Plastic production accounts for 5% of U.S. crude oil consumption. This may not seem like a lot but for the world’s largest consumer of petroleum, that’s equivalent to 330 million barrels of oil a year and therefore contributes to climate change as well!
‘PAFC is the very first initiative of its kind to be endorsed by the PEFC Council,’ rejoices Thomas Seyvet, PAFC Member Services Officer. ‘With its proprietary carbon and GHG emissions tools, PAFC looks to empower forest companies such as INTERHOLCO to join, to credibly help consumers move from pollution to solution.’
Next time you go shopping, remember: 12 minutes is the average ‘working life’ of a plastic bag before it is thrown away. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), at least 11 million tons of plastic is dumped into our oceans each year. That’s the equivalent of dumping one garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute.
Interholco
‘At INTERHOLCO, we are keen to offer consumers proof of adopting practices that won’t cost the Earth,’ concludes Tom van Loon. ‘Our wood is safe, healthy, sustainably harvested, reusable, recyclable, carbon positive (as carbon stock), and even compostable. We owe it to forests, people and planet.’
Next time you really need to buy something, do ask for our certified wood products!
Check out our environmental certificates here.
