Announcements

Motion 23 Pilot Process in Congo: Dialogue phase scheduled for January

The pilot project for the implementation of Motion 23, aimed at protecting Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs) while integrating local realities, is entering a decisive phase with the multi-stakeholder dialogue scheduled for January 2025. ATIBT remains actively engaged to ensure a credible and inclusive process. In parallel, FSC has launched a consultation on the possibility of revising Global Forest Watch (GFW) IFL maps.

The pilot project for the implementation of Motion 23, adopted at the 2022 FSC General Assembly, continues its development in the Congo Basin. This initiative seeks to test landscape-based approaches adapted to local realities for the protection of IFLs and to propose specific protection indicators to be integrated into the FSC national standards.

 

Objectives of the Pilot Project

This pilot project has two main objectives:

  1. Testing and refining key tools:
    • FSC-GUI-60-004a guideline for a landscape approach to IFLs.
    • FSC-PRO-60-004 procedure for the development of indicators related to the management and protection of IFLs at the landscape level.
  2. Supporting the Standard Development Groups (SDGs): The pilot assists SDGs in integrating specific IFL indicators into FSC national standards while addressing the needs of local stakeholders.

 

Progress and next steps in Congo

In Congo, the Standard Development Group (SDG) held two meetings in 2024 (August and November) to prepare a guidance document for the next phase of the dialogue.

This dialogue phase, scheduled from January 14 to 16, 2025, in Brazzaville, will bring together stakeholders from the selected landscape in northern Congo. Its aim is to propose management and protection indicators for IFLs to be integrated into the FSC Congo national standard.

 

ATIBT’s Commitment

ATIBT is fully committed to ensuring that this pilot project is based on a credible and robust foundation. We are particularly focused on ensuring a balanced and representative composition of participants to legitimize the outcomes of this dialogue.

Our certified members, CIB-Olam and IFO, whose concessions are located in the selected landscape, will also be present to contribute to these critical discussions.

 

Opportunities for Progress

This pilot project represents an important opportunity to explore new approaches in the management and protection of IFLs. However, ATIBT will continue to work actively with FSC and other stakeholders to ensure that this process leads to credible, balanced, and implementable results.

 

A Consultation to Revise IFL Maps

In parallel with the pilot project, FSC has launched an open consultation on the possibility of correcting the Intact Forest Landscape (IFL) maps developed by Global Forest Watch (GFW). This initiative allows FSC certificate holders to propose adjustments in case of identified inaccuracies, supported by evidence such as historical data or field assessments.

Contributions to this consultation, open until December 19, 2024, can be submitted via the dedicated platform: Link to the consultation (for FSC members only). ATIBT encourages its members and partners to participate actively in this process, which could enhance the relevance of IFL management and conservation tools.

 

For More Information

To learn more about previous steps, you can refer to:

 

We will share updates on the outcomes of the January dialogue phase soon.