After the UN Conference on the Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, many countries realised the important role of forests for their economic, social and environmental development. The principles for Sustainable Forest Management have been introduced, forest legislation and regulations reformed accordingly, and institutions and forest administrations strengthened, thus allowing the implementation and enforcement of law.
At the same time, the forest products industry received more recognition and responsibility as important partner in the conservation of forest resources through their wise use. Concession holders had to realise that they could not just have the advantages of the forests without also taking care of the long-standing values of this resource. Forest management plans were to be adopted and implemented with the contribution and participation of all stakeholders.
Harvesting for timber is an important step in the management of forests. Through its recently presented Model Code of Forest Harvesting Practice, FAO is assisting member countries, institutions and forest companies to improve this activity and lower its impact on soil and the remaining timber stands. In addition, FAO has commissioned case studies to examine at a practical level the effects of the Code. The objective of this particular study was to analyse the various phases of forest operations related to harvesting and to compare the results with the recommendations of the FAO Model Code, testing its applicability and aiming to promote reduced impact forest harvesting systems and techniques.
It was found that harvesting performance can be improved in many respects and, at the same time, harvesting impacts can be reduced. It is hoped that this case study will have a demonstrative effect in the country and in companies interested in introducing sustainable forest management practices.
The collaboration of the Ministry of Water and Forests in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, together with those responsible in the private company Société Congolaise des Bois (SOCOBOIS) in Dolisie and the staff of the FAO Forest Harvesting, Trade and Marketing Branch in conducting this case study is highly appreciated.
Director
Forest Products Division
Forestry Department, FAO
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This report is primarily the result of field and office work by Robert Scharpenberg, FAO, Forestry Department. In the Republic of Congo, work was performed jointly with Albert Essereke and Pierre Ekiama, Ministry of Water and Forests. The enterprise "Société Congolaise des Bois" (SOCOBOIS) was instrumental in initiating this co-operative project. Technical editing was by Donald Nearhood. All photographs are by Robert Scharpenberg.
SYMBOLS
cm Centimetre
ha Hectare
km Kilometre
m Metre
m2 Square metre
m3 Cubic metre
min Minute
r Wood recovery
V Volume
ABBREVIATIONS
dbh Diameter at Breast Height (1.30 m)
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN
SOCOBOIS Société Congolaise des Bois
