05.04.2024
As part of ATIBT's ASP Cameroun Pacte Vert project, LCB is highlighting the Cameroonian companies involved in the project in anticipation of the Carrefour International du Bois, to be held in Nantes from May 28 to 30, 2024. To this end, each week on the LCB and ATIBT newsletters and websites, we bring you an interview highlighting each company and its actions. Meet PALLISCO today, a company founded in 1972. Its main activities are logging, sales of logs and processed wood products on local and international markets.
LCB: Hello everyone, today we have the privilege of talking to Fousséni FETEKE, Director of Industrial and Forestry Operations at PALLISCO, an important company in the forestry sector in Cameroon. We're going to delve into the company's history, explore its core values, and discover the actions it takes to support local communities and protect the environment. Let's start with some key dates in your company's history. Mr. FETEKE, can you tell us a little about how you came to be?
F. FETEKE: Hello, it's a pleasure to be here. PALLISCO was founded in 1972 on the Eboumétoum site, a date that marks the beginning of our adventure in logging and sawmill processing.
LCB: What were the highlights of the following years?
F. FETEKE: In 1985, we expanded our activities with the introduction of 2nd transformation, including timber drying and planing. In 1996, the opening of the Mindourou site and the creation of CIFM consolidated our presence. In 1998, we moved into 3rd transformation, concentrating on planing, and in 2000, we began operating Forest Management Units (FMUs) on a subcontracting basis, thus broadening our scope of action.
LCB: A very interesting story. And what notable achievements have you made since then?
F. FETEKE: In 2004, we started up our second sawmill line, increasing our production capacity. The same year, we obtained approval for our first management plans, which are essential for responsible forest management. By 2005, all our FMUs were managed according to sustainable forestry practices, and we obtained OLB certification for our products. In 2008, we also obtained FSC® certification, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable forest management.
LCB: Let's move on to your core values. Can you tell us more about them, Mr. FETEKE?
F. FETEKE: Absolutely. At PALLISCO, we aim for excellence by maintaining our current certifications while considering other performance labels. Transparency is a priority for us, and we publish information on our website about our activities, approvals and operations. We are also committed to responsibility, respecting regulatory commitments and maintaining our FSC® certifications. Finally, openness is at the heart of our approach, and we are developing numerous partnerships to improve the responsible management of forest resources and contribute to research.
LCB: Thank you for those clarifications. Now, let's talk about the concrete actions you undertake to support local populations, protect flora and fauna, and promote the well-being of your employees. Can you tell us more about this?
F. FETEKE: Of course. We have set up a number of initiatives to help local populations, including support for health, education, agriculture and the development of income-generating activities. To protect forest resources, we practice responsible harvesting, actively monitor our concessions, and invest in regeneration and floristic diversity. To protect wildlife, we combat poaching, monitor high-risk areas and raise awareness among local populations. Finally, we attach great importance to the well-being of our employees, providing them with information, training, protective equipment, healthcare, accommodation and much more.
LCB: These actions are truly remarkable. Before concluding, could you give us a few key figures about your company, as well as an overview of your future plans?
F. FETEKE: Of course. We manage 7 Forest Management Units, covering a total area of 389,000 hectares. We employ 510 people and harvest around 12,000 logs a year. Our main markets are Cameroon, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. We produce a wide range of wood products, and are certified "Sustainable Forest Management" by FSC®. For the future, we're focusing on diversification, enhancing ecosystem services, improving yields, modernizing equipment and many other innovative projects.
LCB: Thank you very much for this informative interview, Mr FETEKE. We wish you every success for the future.
F. FETEKE: Thank you very much. It was a pleasure to talk about our company and our commitments.
