Forest Stewardship Council and Ultimate Forests Company Limited Discuss Importance of FSC Certification in Rwanda

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU (info@topafricanews.com)

On Friday, 30th August, 2024, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Ultimate Forests Company Limited (UFCL) convened in a Business Forum to discuss ways to promote sustainable forest management and the use of certified wood products in Rwanda.

The forum brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, NGOs, the private sector, academia, and the timber industry to discuss the importance of FSC certification as a tool for responsible forest management.

During the event, Dr. Concorde Nsengumuremyi, Director General of the Rwanda Forestry Authority commended the work that Ultimate Forests Company Limited (UFCL) is doing in Rwanda. He highlighted the importance of FSC certification in promoting responsible forest management and sustainable practices in the country.

Dr. Nsengumuremyi stated, “I think first of all we have to understand the role of this certification. I think certification process and complying with it is not only for the interest of the Government of Rwanda but also even for the owner of the business. If the companies apply and comply with the environment standards, it means that also because of the certification, it means that it increases even the chance to not only compete to the local market but also to the international market.”

He emphasized the benefits of FSC certification in ensuring that companies adhere to environmental standards and promote sustainable practices. Dr. Nsengumuremyi also highlighted the economic advantages of certification, stating that products produced responsibly could command higher prices in the market.

Dr. Concorde Nsengumuremyi, Director General of the Rwanda Forestry Authority

Dr. Nsengumuremyi praised Ultimate Forests Company Limited for being a pioneer in Rwanda in complying with FSC certification standards. He encouraged other stakeholders in the timber industry to follow suit and embrace sustainable forest management practices for the benefit of both the environment and the economy.

As of July 2024, Rwanda has certified over 10.000 hectares of plantations (approximately 0.1% of the total certified forest area in Africa) around the Nyungwe Buffer Zone under the Ultimate Forests Company Limited. However, there are not yet businesses sourcing and/or using the FSC chain of custody system for traceability of wood supply on the market.

Given the significant importance Rwanda’s forestry, there a need for collaborative efforts amongst various players to promote sustainable forest management through forest certification and traceability when it comes to wood supply chains.

During the forum, Mr. Jean Rindiro, CEO of the Ultimate Forests Company Limited, pioneering forest certification in Rwanda emphasized the importance of collaboration with organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council to ensure sustainable forest management practices are implemented in Rwanda.

He highlighted the need for all players in the industry to adhere to certification standards in order to maintain fair pricing and quality products.

“We want to ensure everything we do, from plantations to the final product, meets standards,” said Mr. Rindiro. “It is crucial for us to add value to our products and ensure that they meet national and international standards.”

He also praised the government of Rwanda for requiring companies to meet these standards and encouraged other industry players to embrace the initiative in order to grow the sector and increase exports.

“We need to take responsibility for what we are doing and start selling our products to the international market,” Mr. Rindiro added. “By ensuring quality standards are met, we can attract more customers and expand our market reach.”

Mr. Jean Rindiro, CEO of the Ultimate Forests Company Limited

The Ultimate Forests Company Limited is the only certified company in Rwanda, and Mr. Rindiro expressed pride in this achievement. However, he emphasized the importance of having all industry players embrace certification standards in order to improve the overall quality of wood products in the country.

Intervening at this forum, Mrs. Annah Agasha, FSC Coordinator Eastern Africa, emphasized the importance of preserving natural forests for future generations.

Agasha highlighted FSC’s regulations, which prohibit the conversion of natural forests for commercial purposes or agriculture.

She explained that any forest cut or converted after December 2020 must follow a strict remedy procedure to be eligible for certification.

Agasha also addressed the balance between ecological stabilization and timber exploitation, stating that FSC aims to strengthen existing government policies on forest management.

“We come in to strengthen what the government has said works,” Agasha said. “We know that there are rules and laws of Rwanda which govern how forests should be managed. And we know that it’s a good one, because these policies, especially in East Africa which have been set, they are very, very good policies.”

Mrs. Annah Agasha, FSC Coordinator Eastern Africa

Agasha emphasized the importance of management planning and following FSC’s principles to maintain ecological values while allowing for sustainable timber harvesting. She urged companies to adhere to these principles to ensure the long-term health of forests and the well-being of local communities.

These principles include:

1. Compliance with laws

2. Workers’ rights and employment conditions

3. Indigenous people’s rights

4. Community relations

5. Benefits from the forest

6. Environmental value and impact

7. Management planning

 8. Monitoring and assessment

 9. High conservation values

10. Implementation of management activities.

The forestry sector is one of Rwanda’s key pillars for sustainable development and climate resilience in line with the country’s National Forestry Policy and Rwanda’s forests are a strong foundation for its tourism sector protecting the country’s rare and endangered wildlife, particularly, the mountain gorillas that are a major tourists attraction. Existing information indicates that the sector supports the country’s primary energy requirements in the form of firewood (83.3 percent) and charcoal (15.2 percent), generates approximately USD 76 million annually and more than 75,000 direct and indirect jobs from the timber industry.