ATIBT at the heart of discussions on domestic timber markets in Central Africa

This event, co-organized by CIFOR and supported by several regional institutions such as COMIFAC and the ministries responsible for forests and the environment, brought together a diverse range of actors from the forestry sector: researchers, government representatives, industrial operators, artisans, NGOs, and technical partners.

The overall objective of the symposium was to ensure an efficient and sustainable supply of domestic timber markets in Central Africa.

More specifically,

-To characterize the evolution of domestic timber markets in Central Africa over the last decade;

-To identify the factors hindering the supply of legally sourced sawnwood in national markets;

-To promote legally sourced and sustainable sawnwood to different types of consumers in Central Africa

A rich and structured program

The symposium was organized around several sessions, followed by round tables:

Status and evolution of domestic sawn timber markets in Central Africa over the last decade Alternative sources to artisanal logging;
Alternative sources to artisanal logging in domestic timber markets;
Taxation and parafiscal charges in domestic markets;

Demand for sawn timber on domestic markets
Issues surrounding the processing of timber for domestic markets Summary and strategic recommendations

ATIBT actively contributed to the discussions, notably through presentations by Alain Bertin TIOTSOP on the valorization of industrial by-products and incentive taxation, and by participating in the strategic round tables.

Key recommendations put forward by ATIBT

Following the discussions, several recommendations were made to strengthen domestic markets for legal and sustainable timber:

Structure the value chain: mapping of stakeholders, training, coaching.
Strengthen technical skills: more advanced processing, use of legal timber.
Diversify sources of supply: community forests, Community Development Series (SDC), special permits, waste from logging and industrial processing.
Recover waste: Set up a training mechanism for actors in the value chain on recovery and processing techniques.
Support artisans: Facilitate access to modern equipment through appropriate financial mechanisms.
Fiscal advocacy: Establish a framework for consultation to adopt incentives for companies that comply with legality and traceability requirements.
Responsible public procurement: Promote the use of legally sourced wood for all public procurement.

Towards a stronger regional dynamic

This conference marks an important step in recognizing the strategic role of domestic markets in the sustainable management of forest resources. ATIBT reaffirms its commitment to supporting local stakeholders, promoting traceability, and backing public policies that favor legal, accessible, and locally valued wood.