13.06.2025
As the Racewood 2025 Forum approaches, to be held on July 1 and 2 in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo, ATIBT would like to extend its special thanks to the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) – Congo Basin and West Africa, as well as the PEFC/PAFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification / Pan-African Forest Certification) for their commitment to our cause.
This new edition of Racewood, organized in partnership with numerous institutions, companies, and technical organizations from the tropical forest-wood sector, will highlight the major challenges of local wood processing, the promotion of lesser-known timber species (LKTS), vocational training, and the opportunities offered by domestic wood markets (MIB) in the Congo Basin region.
FSC – Congo Basin and West Africa has joined forces with ATIBT as a specific sponsor of the first Central African Cabinetmaking Grand Prix, organized from June 30 to July 2, 2025, as part of the Forum. Thanks to this support, this unique competition will bring together eight young carpenters and cabinetmakers from Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and the DRC to showcase their talent, promote woodworking professions, and raise public awareness of local wood processing. The FSC is thus confirming its commitment to training, skills development, and the promotion of woodworkers as part of a sustainable forest management approach.
For its part, PEFC/PAFC, also associated with the event, is providing overall financial support for the Forum and specifically sponsoring the catering for the working days. By supporting logistics and welcoming participants, PEFC/PAFC is actively contributing to making Racewood a friendly space for exchanges, professional meetings, and dialogue on sustainability and forest certification in Central Africa. This partnership is part of PEFC/PAFC's ongoing efforts to promote rigorous, responsible, and inclusive forest management in the Congo Basin.
ATIBT is delighted to be able to count on the support of its two certification systems in a spirit of collaboration and complementarity in the service of a stronger, more transparent and better structured forest-based sector.
See you in Pointe-Noire for Racewood 2025. Find the program and register here.
