WINDHOEK - The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organisation which is involved in the promotion of responsible management of the world’s forests. They thus have developed FSC Standards which is the basis for land owners and managers in managing their woods responsibly. 

With Namibia facing increasing bush encroachment, a working group was tasked to develop distinctive standards according to which FSC certificate holders can manage their bush encroachment. Such standards comply to factors such as environmental friendliness, social benefit and economic sustainability. The said group has now completed the draft standard for Namibia and the public is invited to give inputs thereon until October 22. The draft document as well as the consultation form are available on the FSC Africa website. 

Additionally FSC Southern Africa is hosting two workshops in Namibia for interested parties to discuss the draft document. These workshops are on September 25, from 09:00 – 15:30 at the NAU office, Windhoek and on September 26, from 09:00 – 15:30 at the NCA office, Otjiwarongo. Interested parties who want to attend any workshop, must please RSVP as soon as possible to m.moodley@fsc.org or via the Charcoal Association at Tel 067304220.