Afro-Colombian communities achieve Colombia’s first FSC certification for natural forest management

On December 2025, Afro-descendant communities from Colombia’s Medio Atrato region have achieved the country’s first FSC certification for natural forest management, covering more than 20,000 hectares of community-managed forest. The certification was awarded to the Sustainable Forestry Association for Community Development of Medio Atrato (ASOFODEMA), making it the first Afro-descendant organization in Colombia and a pioneer in Latin America to receive this recognition.

The milestone was achieved through the Unión Natural project, co-financed by the Colombia Sostenible Program (Fondo Colombia en Paz) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), with technical support from ONF Andina. Over seven years, communities strengthened capacities in sustainable forest management, low-impact harvesting, and value chain development, culminating in a successful FSC audit.

This certification highlights the role of community-led forest stewardship in conflict-affected regions, delivering environmental, social, and economic benefits while strengthening access to responsible markets and supporting long-term sustainability.