DIG/ The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Human-Wildlife Conflict has just issued to Rougier Gabon an environmental compliance certificate guaranteeing that the exploitation of each of the five Forest Management Units (UFA) – two in the Haut-Abanga (Woleu N’tem); two in Haut-Ogooué (Leke and Moyabi) and one in Ogooué-Ivindo (Ivindo) – is done in compliance with environmental standards.
« These certificates, which are additional proof of the company’s legal compliance, attest to recognition by the local administration of Rougier Gabon’s good forestry practices. », indicates the company in a press release.
Obtaining these new keys, which end customers are increasingly fond of, is the result of a methodical and rigorous process initiated since 2019 and supported for its technical part by the international design office Terea.
Indeed, over the last five years, several field missions intended to evaluate Rougier Gabon’s practices and their environmental compliance have been organized and numerous audit reports and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) have been provided to the ministry. of the Environment. Renewable every two years, these certificates will be the subject, at the beginning of each year, of a detailed report on the implementation of the ESMP by Rougier Gabon, thus making it possible to illustrate the commitments made by the company.
« Rougier Gabon once again demonstrates that it is possible to integrate environmental preservation into the heart of forestry operations, while meeting the growing demands of international timber markets. », underlines the company.
Compliance
In line with its historic commitment to respecting environmental standards, the company also announced that it had renewed the FSC® certificates of its sustainable forest concessions (CFAD) in Leke (Haut-Ogooué) and Moyabi (Haut-Ogooué). ) following the renewal audit and the control audit which took place from April 22 to 27, 2024 and from July 10 to 12 2024.
“This certificate renewal marks Rougier Gabon’s entry into a fourth consecutive cycle of five-year certification, thus successfully achieving fifteen years of certification at the highest level of responsible forest management,” rejoiced Éric Chézeaux, Group CSR Director.
These new certificates are valid for a period of 5 years, from August 2, 2024 to August 1, 2029.
As a reminder, Forest Stewardship Council® certification attests to Rougier Gabon’s compliance with the rigorous requirements of the FSC® forest management standard. The international FSC® label is an independent label which promotes sustainable management of the world’s forests, taking into account their ecological, social and economic issues and thus guaranteeing consumers products from sustainably managed forests.
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How can companies in the forestry sector ensure long-term sustainability beyond obtaining environmental certifications?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Environmental Expert Dr. Elodie Martin
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Martin! We’re pleased to have you here. Recently, Rougier Gabon was issued an environmental compliance certificate for its forestry practices. What does this certification mean for the company and the environment in the regions involved?
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me! The environmental compliance certificate signifies that Rougier Gabon has met necessary environmental standards while managing five Forest Management Units across different regions. It not only acknowledges the company’s commitment to responsible forestry practices but also indicates a step towards sustainable development in the Haut-Abanga, Haut-Ogooué, and Ogooué-Ivindo areas. This is crucial since these forests are vital for carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of local communities.
Editor: It’s interesting to note that this compliance is the result of a rigorous process that began in 2019. Could you elaborate on the significance of that timeframe for environmental practices in forestry?
Dr. Martin: Absolutely! Initiating this process in 2019 shows Rougier Gabon’s long-term commitment to sustainability. In today’s climate crisis, immediate solutions are not enough; companies must invest time and resources into becoming more accountable. The fact that multiple field missions and audits were conducted suggests a thorough approach to ensure compliance, which is commendable. These consistent evaluations lead to transparency and can help build trust with stakeholders, including local communities.
Editor: You mentioned transparency, which is important. How do you think the detailed reports on the Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) will impact Rougier Gabon’s stakeholders?
Dr. Martin: The annual reports on the ESMPs will play a crucial role in holding Rougier Gabon accountable. By openly sharing their practices and progress, they not only align with environmental standards but also foster trust among various stakeholders, including governmental bodies, local communities, and customers who are increasingly focused on sustainability. This transparency can encourage other companies in the industry to adopt similar practices, facilitating a broader culture of accountability and environmental stewardship.
Editor: Given the rising consumer interest in sustainable products, how important do you think these certifications are for companies like Rougier Gabon in maintaining market competitiveness?
Dr. Martin: Very important! Today’s consumers are more informed and often prioritize sustainable products. Certifications like the environmental compliance certificate not only serve as proof of responsible practices but also enhance a company’s brand image and reputation in the marketplace. It can lead to increased customer loyalty and potentially open up new market opportunities, especially in sectors where sustainability is a key purchasing criterion.
Editor: As we celebrate the positive strides made by Rougier Gabon, what would you recommend for the future to ensure ongoing improvements in environmental practices within the forestry sector?
Dr. Martin: Continuous learning and adaptation are essential. I would recommend that companies invest in ongoing training for their staff to keep up with the latest best practices in sustainable forestry. Additionally, collaboration with environmental NGOs and local communities can help enhance their strategies and identify new ways to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts while promoting biodiversity. It’s not just about obtaining certifications but embedding a culture of sustainability in every aspect of operations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martin. Your insights spotlight the critical intersection of environmental practices and business. We appreciate your time today!
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important developments.