06.03.2026
The Republic of Congo adopts a strategic tool to promote lesser-known timber species (LKTS), diversify the domestic market offering, and reduce pressure on more exploited species.
As part of the Congo Domestic Timber Market (MIB) project, funded by the European Union and implemented by ATIBT, a technical mission led by Jean Gérard, a wood science and technology engineer at CIRAD, was held in Brazzaville to strengthen local capacities for the establishment of a wood consulting laboratory.
The aim of this mission was to train the project team and partner representatives in the use of laboratory equipment, the performance of physical and mechanical tests, and the management of the future laboratory's activities.
A highlight of this mission was the audience granted by the Minister of Forest Economy, who welcomed the initiative and provided strategic guidance to ensure the project's success. In particular, she made recommendations aimed at aligning the laboratory's activities with national priorities in terms of sustainable forest resource management and the promotion of local species.
These discussions strengthened the collaboration between ATIBT and the Ministry, while confirming the importance of the consulting laboratory as a tool for diversifying the domestic timber market and reducing pressure on overexploited species.
The mission also provided an opportunity to meet with a number of key partners, including small and medium-sized enterprises in the domestic timber industry grouped around the cluster, in order to gather their expectations for the successful implementation of the project.
Over the course of five days, the work alternated between practical training, technical visits, and institutional discussions. This mission helped strengthen local skills in the use of laboratory equipment, the performance of physical and mechanical tests, a better understanding of wood analysis tools, the ability to produce reliable technical data sheets, and the promotion of lesser-known wood species (LKTS) to diversify supply and reduce pressure on overexploited species.
The mini-laboratory consists of the following equipment:
- The Balco Balance, which is used to weigh samples to determine their moisture content and density;
- The Eti Moisture Meter, which measures the moisture content of wood by resistivity and H% in the field/in lumber yards (in companies);
- The Mitutoyo digital comparator, used to measure the dimensions of test pieces for shrinkage and fiber saturation point measurements;
It should be noted that the following equipment is still pending:
- A universal oven, type UN55
- A culture chamber, type HPP 110 eco
In general, this mini-lab will enable technological characterization tests and trials to be carried out to supplement knowledge about LKTS:
- Reference physical measurements: density, linear drying shrinkage, PSF
- Derived physical measurements: volumetric shrinkage, volumetric shrinkage coefficient, T/R ratio, hardness, thermal conductivity
- field tests: natural durability (resistance to wood-decay fungi and termites) according to NF EN 252
- implementation tests under real conditions of use
- air drying tests.
This mini-laboratory will be in constant contact with CIRAD's BiWooEeb unit so that it can address issues that go beyond what the laboratory can do on its own.
The first species to be tested are those corresponding to the initial samples collected from sawyers, carpenters, and other craftsmen in the sector.
This mission marks an important step in promoting lesser-known wood species in the Republic of Congo. By providing the country with a strategic tool to promote little-known or unknown species and by strengthening local skills, the project is taking a decisive step towards establishing a scientific and technical system to serve artisans, researchers, and decision-makers, thereby contributing to more sustainable and diversified management of forest resources, while opening up new opportunities for artisans and players in the domestic timber market.
