From timber to climate solutions – how FSC certification in Cameroon strengthens forests and communities

In the rainforests of eastern Cameroon, FSC-certified forest management is showing what it means to balance production with protection. Certificate holders like PALLISCO and its partners demonstrate that responsible forest use can contribute not only to local jobs but also to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. 

Protecting biodiversity 

Independent monitoring, including studies by the University of Utrecht, confirm that FSC-certified concessions in the Congo Basin harbour higher populations of endangered species such as gorillas and forest elephants compared to non-certified forests. Reduced-impact logging and designated conservation areas within concessions help maintain wildlife corridors and preserve habitats critical for biodiversity. 

"Having grown up around the forest, I've always understood its importance in our daily lives. For me, destroying the forest is destroying life. That's why I am committed to preserving it, so that future generations can benefit from it as we do today," said Christian Zuh, a Forest Manager at PALLISCO. 

Reduced-impact logging techniques are a central part of PALLISCO’s operator training to minimize environmental damage, while rigorous post-harvest regeneration, both natural and assisted through reforestation, helps preserve ecosystem health.  

Supporting climate goals 

Certification also plays a role in climate action. FSC standards require forest regeneration, which ensures that logged areas are replanted and naturally regenerated. In Cameroon, certificate holders have replanted thousands of hectares, contributing to long-term carbon storage and forest recovery. By keeping forests standing, FSC-certified concessions help mitigate emissions from deforestation. 

Chief of Mindourou village, Fredy Djatto Zoa, said, “The forest is our father and our mother. It means everything to us. Without the forest, we wouldn’t have access to the resources we rely on daily. It is our source of life." 

Community benefits 

Local communities report tangible improvements: schools, health centres, and clean water projects have been established through partnerships with certificate holders. While challenges remain – such as ensuring equitable participation of all community members –these projects reflect a model where forest management contributes to rural development alongside conservation. 

According to Fredy Djatto Zoa, "The standard of living in our village has significantly increased. This is largely due to the recruitment policies implemented through the Locally Based Forest Committees which promote local employment." 

Beyond promotion – evidence and transparency 

The story of FSC Cameroon is not without challenges. Certification requires significant investment, and sustaining compliance can be costly. But acknowledging these realities makes the achievements more credible: that despite costs and logistical hurdles, companies and communities continue to see value in certification as a pathway to long-term sustainability. 

"Sustainability also implies economic profitability, as well as transformation that brings added value. This helps strengthen local employment and maintain ecological values," said Professor Roger Ngoufo, FSC member in Cameroon.  

Why it matters for climate and biodiversity policy 

This experience offers lessons for global climate and biodiversity strategies. As governments and businesses seek solutions to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Global Biodiversity Framework, FSC-certified forests in Cameroon show a practical, scalable model: forests can be used, but responsibly, in ways that conserve biodiversity, store carbon, and support local livelihoods.