TROPICAL FORESTRY FORUM ON THE CONGO BASIN
Discussing Opportunities and Challenges of Forest Management and the Tropical Wood Supply Chain
22.05.2025, 09:30 – 16:30
Registrations via the website are no longer possible. For short-term enquiries, please send an e-mail to tff@fsc-deutschland.de
Zoological Garden Cologne
Riehler Straße 173, 50735 Cologne (Germany)
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The humid tropical forests of the Congo Basin are the second largest lung in the world with an area of approx. 200 million ha. They are home to around one fifth of global biodiversity. The Congo Basin stores around 60 billion tons of CO2 and sequester additional 0.61Gt eqCO² per year, which is six times as much as the considerably larger Amazon basin. The Congo Basin’s forests also play an important role in regulating the local and global climate. Significant challenges include biodiversity loss and resource depletion further increased through the economic pressures faced by local communities. The increased vulnerability to climate change is intensifying these challenges, endangering both wildlife and human livelihoods. Forests are a vital component in the mitigation of these risks, providing essential habitats, sustenance and shelter for local communities, and offering sustainable economic opportunities. Approx. 58 million ha of the Congo Basin forests are devoted to logging. This highlights the need to support a sustainable timber sector as one of the most important employers in the forested countries of Central Africa.
Aim of the Forum
To explore how sustainable forest management, supply chain stakeholders, private and public actors can support the conservation of these ecosystems, FSC Germany, WWF Germany, ATIBT and Utrecht University are convening a special Tropical Forestry Forum with a special focus on the Congo Basin“.
The event invites leaders from politics, science, business, journalism, regional and international NGOs and the public sector with an interest in the promotion of healthy and resilient forest management.
Participants will address pressing issues related to forest management, responsible timber supply and innovative business models. The Forum aims to promote a comprehensive approach to the protection of forest ecosystems, integrating biodiversity and supporting the well-being and livelihoods of local communities.
Participants will have the opportunity to exchange to manufacturing insights, share best practices and explore new approaches on sustainable management, habitat conservation and community empowerment.
Sponsorship
Join us as a sponsor of the Tropical Forest Forum and position your organization as a leader in sustainable forestry and biodiversity conservation!
Our exclusive sponsorship opportunities allow you to amplify your impact by showcasing your logo on event materials, displaying banners and informational stands on-site, and even participating directly in our expert panel discussions.
Further event details
Coffee, tea, beverages, and light snacks will be provided.
AGENDA
Moderation: Kim Carstensen
Director General of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) between October 2012 and the end of 2024; leader of WWF International’s Global Climate Initiative (2008 – 2010) and CEO of WWF Denmark (1996 – 2008); Now independent advisor and consultant related to responsible forest management and forest-based industries.
9:00 – 9:30
Reception & Registration
Arrival of participants and badge distribution
9:30 – 10:05
Opening & Keynotes
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9:30 – 9:45 Welcome & Introduction
Prof. Bernhard Pauli, Hochschule für Agrar-, Forst- und Lebensmittelwissenschaften HAFL -
9:45 – 9:55 Keynote: “Biodiversity & Endangered Species”
Prof. Dr. Theo Pagel (Director, Cologne Zoo) -
9:55 – 10:05 Keynote
Chouaibou Nchoutpouen (COMIFAC Secretariat)
10:05 – 11:20
TOPIC 1 – Forest Management in the Congo Basin (FSC)
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10:05 – 10:15 Session Introduction
Frédéric Priseur (Terea) -
10:15 – 10:30 Impacts of FSC Concessions on Large Mammals
Joeri Zwerts (Utrecht University) -
10:30 – 10:40 Title TBD
Dr. Sarah Wolff & Dr. Jörg Schweinle (Thünen Institute) -
10:40 – 10:50 The Value of Community Forests
N.N. -
10:50 – 10:55 Opportunities and Challenges of FSC Implementation
Vincent Istace (CIB-OLAM) -
10:55 – 11:20 Q&A and Panel Discussion
Topics: Economic, Ecological and Social Impact of FSC; Local and Global Impact (Climate & Biodiversity)
11:20 – 11:50 Coffee Break
11:50 – 13:00
TOPIC 2 – Supply Chain Transparency & Standards (ATIBT)
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11:50 – 12:00 Opening Topic: Challenges in Timber Trade to Europe / EUDR
Caroline Duhesme (ATIBT) -
12:00 – 12:10 Impact of Forest Certification on Deforestation in Logging Concessions: An FSC Cross-Country Analysis in Tropical Moist Forests
Dr. Etienne Kuzong (ASI) -
12:10 – 12:20 Timber Regulations & FSC Certification
William Lawyer (FSC Africa)
>> Congo: a treasure of global importance (external link to story map)
>> Le Congo: un trésor d’importance mondiale (lien externe vers story map) -
12:20 – 12:50 Q&A and Panel Discussion
Topics: Local Consumption, Manufacturing Location, Certification Requirements in the German Market
Klaus Schmidt (Cross Trade)
Markus Pfannkuch (Precious Wood / CEB)
12:50 – 14:00 Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:10
TOPIC 3 – Business Models & Alternative Income Sources (WWF Germany)
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14:00 – 14:10 Introduction
Dr. Julia Barske (WWF Germany) -
14:10 – 14:20 Investment by German Public Donors for Sustainable Forest Management
Stephan Uncovsky (GIZ/TTT) -
14:20 – 14:30 Forest Exploitation in the Congo Basin – Challenges, Opportunities, and New Models (e.g. PES, intact forest landscapes)
Tom van Loon (IFO-Interholco) -
14:30 – 14:40 Viability of Business Models
Martin Boström (KfW) -
14:40 – 14:50 Verified Impact Lead
David Gaynor (FSC Africa) -
14:50 – 15:05 WWF Forest Forward Programme
Gijs Breukink & Lisa King (WWF Forest Forward) -
15:05 – 15:10 Panel Discussion
Topic: Which Business Models Can Support Forest Conservation?
15:10 – 15:30 Coffee Break
16:00 – 16:30
Closing Session
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16:00 – 16:20 Wrap-Up
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16:20 – 16:30 Closing Remarks
Registrations via the website are no longer possible. For short-term enquiries, please send an e-mail to tff@fsc-deutschland.de
Donation
Do you like our work on saving the worlds forests and supporting sustainable forestry?
As a non-profit organization, FSC Germany and WWF Germany both relie on the generosity of our community to continue our impactful work for the future of the worlds forests.
Your contribution will help us that this work will not stop by tomorrow
Please note that your donation is tax-deductible within the European Union, as FSC Germany, Verein für verantwortungsvolle Waldwirtschaft e.V. is a registered non-profit organization.
Thank you for your support. Together, we can make this event a success and continue our mission to promote responsible forestry practices.
Please transfer your donation to the following bank account:
Owner: Verein fuer verantwortungsvolle Waldwirtschaft e.V. / FSC Deutschland
IBAN: DE76 4306 0967 7943 6156 00
BIC: GENODEM1GLS
Point of contact for logistical questions about the event:
E-Mail: tff@fsc-deutschland.de
Press invitation (EN, FR, DE)
PDF | 160 KB
Press Invitation
Sustainable forest management in the Congo Basin: Illusion or reality
PDF | 167 KB
Invitation à La Presse
Gestion durable des forêts dans le bassin du Congo : Illusion ou réalité ?
PDF | 147 KB
Presseeinladung (DE)
Nachhaltige Waldwirtschaft im Kongo-Becken: Illusion oder Realität?
