02.10.2026
In Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon and the Central African Republic, ATIBT organised a series of training sessions on legality certification, as part of the Tropical Timber Trade Facility project. Over ten days, participants gained a better understanding of the principles and requirements of different certification schemes, explored how these apply to their own practices and began identifying areas for improvement within their companies.
The Tropical Timber Trade Facility project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
Understanding the requirements and putting them into practice
In each of the four countries, a seven-day first module combined presentations, discussions and practical exercises covering the main aspects of legality and legality certification: regulatory compliance, access to forest resources, taxation, harvesting practices, environmental and social requirements, and traceability.
The objective was above all to connect certification requirements with the day-to-day reality of companies. Through practical exercises, participants reviewed their existing practices, identified procedures and documents already in place, and highlighted areas that could be strengthened. The training also emphasised the cross-cutting nature of certification, which involves several functions within a company rather than relying on a single person.
Continuing the work within the company
Following the first module, participants had time to work within their companies to carry out a self-assessment and begin developing an action plan. This step enabled them to move from a general understanding of the requirements to an initial assessment of their own situation: what is already in place, what are the main areas of concern, and which actions could realistically be undertaken?
During the second module, participants returned with this work to present and discuss it with the trainers. Their action plans were reviewed and refined, with particular attention to the clarity, feasibility and prioritisation of actions, as well as the identification of responsibilities and deadlines.
A common approach across four countries
The same training structure was implemented in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo, while taking into account the specific realities of companies and national contexts.
The process was implemented by ATIBT’s Country Managers: Germain Yéné in Cameroon and the Central African Republic, and Alain Tsiotsop in Gabon and the Republic of the Congo.
ATIBT channel on YouTube
ATIBT channel on YouTube
