Tropenbos International contributes to the discussion about artisanal logging and FLEGT - VPA process in DR Congo

Tropenbos International contributes to the discussion about artisanal logging and FLEGT - VPA process in DR Congo

DR Congo - 01 November, 2012

At the Forest Governance Forum in Kinshasa (11-12 September), organized by TBI and TheIDLGroup, TBI presented its work on artisanal logging in DR Congo and Ghana. Artisanal logging, or chainsaw milling in Ghana, is the on-site conversion of logs into lumber using chainsaws. Significant and increasing amounts of timber in the tropics for local markets are produced using this simple technology. For many local and indigenous forest dependent communities, artisanal logging is an important source of income.

During the forum the following topics were addressed: the status of / FLEGT/VPA process; the regional timber market of and domestic timber trade in DR Congo; monitoring of forest governance; international regulations and sustainable management of forests, and; forest benefits to communities. The forum was attended by representatives of governments, civil society, the business sector and universities. Presentations were made by national and international experts.

Additionally during the forum TBI’s publication "Wood on the agenda: Artisanal logging in DR Congo (Le bois à l’ordre du jour.) was launched. This book provides an overview of artisanal logging in DR Congo, based on contributions from 33 researchers from a variety of national and international organizations and institutions.

For more information, the presentations, photos and videos visit the page: http://forestgovernanceforum.com/forest-governance-conference-archive/drc/

PublicationsShow all

Publication

Wood on the agenda: Artisanal logging in DR Congo

This book provides an overview of artisanal logging or small-scale timber exploitation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, based on contributions from 33 researchers from a variety of national and international organizations and institutions. The objective is to provide insight in the basic conditions to be fulfilled by a revised legal framework on artisanal logging in context of the FLEGT process. It is our strong belief that revision of the legal framework should benefit from the availability of in-depth information on artisanal logging as it happens in the field. The chapters in this book provide information on local practices of artisanal logging, including the actors involved including local communities; the interplay between economic and political interests; logging impacts on the forest; the importance of artisanal logging in the region; and its relevance for international development and forest governance policies. The book identifies three major issues related to artisanal logging in DR Congo: (1) local conflicts resulting from the abuse of power by political and military authorities vis-à-vis the rural population and artisanal loggers, (2) the financial harassment of artisanal loggers, which reduces both cost-effectiveness of artisanal logging and its contribution to the treasury and (3) the absence of a forest management system that guarantees the sustainability of artisanal timber exploitation.