Going from FSC certification to IFC PS6 alignment in a forestry project in Congo
Organisation ambition
Development banks invest in forestry projects as a strategic approach to curb deforestation and mitigate climate change. By supporting sustainable forest management and conservation initiatives, these institutions aim to preserve biodiversity, enhance carbon sequestration, and promote resilient economies. Their investments often catalyse additional funding and help demonstrate how nature-based solutions can effectively protect ecosystems and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.
Project purpose - assess the feasibility of going from FSC certification to IFC PS6 in a sustainably managed forestry project
To assess the feasibility of transitioning from FSC certification to IFC PS6, addressing the critical ESG challenge of bridging the gap between FSC and IFC frameworks in sustainable natural forest management.
Challenge - large forestry concession with significant risks to species and habitats
The project was situated in a highly biodiverse area between two National Parks with significant social and environmental risks. The Project landscape was home to globally significant populations of western lowland gorillas, central chimpanzees, forest elephants and many other important species. The large size of the Project and the tighter margins of the agribusiness sector in general compared to extractives, for example, means that implementing biodiversity conservation measures and compensation can be challenging.
Our approach - PS6 based assessment and estimate of residual impacts to assess the feasibility of alignment with PS6
To identify gaps in alignment, we conducted a PS6-based assessment of existing operations against IFC Performance Standard 6 requirements, in close coordination with social specialists leading PS5 and PS7 assessments. This included a Critical Habitat screening and a review of how the mitigation hierarchy was being applied. We also provided strategic advice on collaboration with the IUCN ARRC Task Force, given the presence of great apes within the project area. These insights were consolidated into a comprehensive biodiversity action and management plan to guide ongoing mitigation efforts.
Outcome - a road map from FSC certification to IFC PS6 alignment
The work delivered a clear road map for transitioning from FSC certification to IFC PS6 alignment, outlining key actions required to meet PS6 standards. The assessment confirmed that alignment with PS6 is feasible for the project. This roadmap provides valuable guidance for managing future Sustainable Natural Forest Management (SNFM) projects and supports SNFM businesses currently focused on FSC certification to develop and maintain robust IFC PS-based risk and impact management systems.
