Lusaka: FSC.org is pleased to announce the official release of the new FSC Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for Zambia. This standard applies to all categories of management units and includes provisions for Small or Low Intensity Managed Forests (SLIMFs) as well as the certification of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs).
According to African Press Organization, forests in Zambia are vital for the livelihoods of rural communities, contributing 5 - 6% to the country's GDP and providing formal and informal employment for around 1.1 million people. The government aims to manage and enhance forest products and services to mitigate climate change, promote income generation, reduce poverty, create jobs, and protect biodiversity. Zambia has committed to restoring 2 million hectares of its forests through the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100).
Zambian forests are valued differently across various sectors of society. Local communities rely on forests for daily needs such as fuelwood, building materials, and food, while the government views them as national assets necessary for timber production and public income generation. Industrial entrepreneurs regard forests primarily as sources of raw materials for commercial profit. The new IFSS for Zambia is designed to provide the tools necessary to effectively harness the value of forest ecosystem services.
The official English version of the IFSS for Zambia is available for download in the FSC Document Centre.
