The collaborative efforts of the Forest of the World (FoW) and the Ethio Wetlands and Natural Resource Association (EWNRA) have continued to make progress with community consultation meetings focused on the implementation of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) National Standard. These consultations are taking place in the Illubabor Zone, specifically within the Nonoselle Woreda of Southwest Ethiopia.
On the fourth day of the field consultation, the technical team visited Gemechisa village, where they engaged in discussions with leaders and members of the local Forest Management Group. A key topic of these conversations was gauging community awareness of the FSC National Standard for forest stewardship and its certification processes.
The community representatives highlighted both opportunities and challenges they perceive in adopting the FSC standard and certification. On the positive side, they identified several potential benefits that could improve their livelihoods. These included the prospect of higher prices for forest products, quality assurance, increased economic opportunities through export channels, and other related advantages that could contribute to the long-term sustainability of their forest management practices.
However, the community also voiced significant concerns that could pose challenges to the implementation of the FSC standards. One major issue raised was the high cost of certification, which they have previously encountered through similar initiatives led by other NGOs. Another concern centered on the classification of timber as a certified forest product and the potential for complications arising from unrestricted access to timber processing for market purposes, given its sensitive nature as a forest resource. Additionally, the representatives pointed out the lack of proper equipment and technical skills necessary for large-scale timber processing, underscoring skill gaps within forest product management.
The technical team emphasized that certain challenges could be addressed through coordinated efforts with relevant government stakeholders at both the regional and federal levels. This collaborative approach would help create an environment more conducive to the adoption of sustainable forest management practices.
Following the community meeting in Gemechisa Kebele, the team proceeded to Birbirsa town, the administrative center of Nonoselle, for an afternoon session with local government leaders. These discussions further delved into the advantages and potential drawbacks of the FSC national standard and forest stewardship certification.
Mr. Jens Holm Kanstrup, a representative from FoW, provided key insights into how the certification process could enhance the sustainable development of local communities by maximizing the benefits they derive from forest resources. He reiterated FoW’s commitment to supporting local communities in this endeavor.
The consultation sessions concluded on a positive note, with all stakeholders reaching a consensus to collaborate toward the successful implementation of forest management practices that would ultimately benefit the local communities.
This initiative, led by EWNRA with the support of FoW, is a critical step forward in developing and promoting a National Standard of Forest Stewardship that aligns with sustainable development and community welfare goals.
