New Interim Forest Stewardship Standard Bolsters Responsible Forest Management in Côte d’Ivoire

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has launched a new Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for Côte d’Ivoire. This standard establishes clear, rigorous requirements for sustainable forest management, designed to protect the country’s biodiversity while ensuring the long-term viability of its forest resources.

Ivorian Forests at a Glance

Côte d’Ivoire is currently navigating a critical ecological turning point. Over the last 60 years, the nation has witnessed the disappearance of nearly 90% of its forest cover, a crisis driven largely by agricultural expansion and illegal farming. Today, forest cover has dwindled to less than 9%, down from 15% in the mid-1980s.

Despite these challenges, forests remain the lifeblood of Ivorian rural communities. Beyond their economic value, ‘Sacred Forests’ play a fundamental role in cultural identity and community cohesion. To combat further loss, the Ivorian government and international partners are prioritizing tropical forest regeneration and the professionalization of the timber and non-timber sectors, most notably rubber, to reconcile economic growth with environmental preservation.

A Strategic Shift for the Rubber Sector

A central pillar of the new IFSS is its application to the natural rubber industry. Côte d'Ivoire is a global heavyweight in rubber production, yet the sector is often hampered by price volatility and restricted access to finance.

During a recent stakeholder workshop on 1 August 2024, FSC and GIZ (on behalf of the German Cooperation) presented a landmark cost-benefit analysis. The study provides the first clear roadmap for Ivorian natural rubber producers to transition toward certification. By aligning with FSC standards, smallholders can meet the stringent requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and access international markets. Patrick Epie, FSC’s Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Congo Basin and West Africa, emphasized the transformative potential of this framework: 

Ivory Coast is a major rubber-producing country, and we want to help its smallholder forest managers adopt sustainable practices. FSC certification provides a rigorous framework for responsible forest management. It plays a great role in supporting smallholders to ensure their livelihoods are secured while protecting the environment.

Collaborative Growth and Implementation

The development of the IFSS has been a deeply collaborative process, involving 43 key stakeholders, including global buyers like Weber & Schaer and technical experts from CMO, a global organization operating in over 80 countries, dedicated to promoting transparency, legality, and sustainability in forest product supply. The standard is designed to empower local cooperatives, such as SCOOPS SOCOPHEPAAM, by providing them with the training and tools needed to implement good agricultural practices. 

Local producers are already looking toward the future. Ado Assamoi Sylvain, a smallholder in the village of Ananguié, shared his optimism during the standard development process: 

For me, certification is a good thing. If we can be sure that it will happen soon, I'm all for it. I want my children and my family to benefit, even if I'm not around.

This standard serves as a practical tool for reconciling the interests of industry, the environment, and the people who call the forest home.

For enquiries on the standard, please contact the FSC Country Requirements Team at country_requirements@fsc.org.
The Interim Forest Stewardship Standard for Côte d’Ivoire (English version) is available in the FSC Document Centre.