IFSS Launched to Promote Ethiopia’s Certified Forest Products to Global Markets.

Addis Ababa: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has officially launched today the Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for Ethiopia to access for global markets for certified forest products. The standard aims to strengthen Ethiopia's forestry sector, facilitate access to niche global markets for certified forest products, and enhance the value of verified ecosystem services such as carbon, water, biodiversity, recreation, and cultural benefits. Speaking at the launch, Kebede Yimam, Director General of Ethiopian Forestry Development, highlighted the importance of this milestone.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the standard enables businesses, governments, and forest managers to access and share data about the impact of their forest management activities in FSC-certified forests. The council is a responsible body which promotes forest management through certification and bolstering the conservation of the country's rich biodiversity. Kebede noted that the standard will be piloted in 1,000 hectares of bamboo forests in the Adiyo district of southwestern Ethiopia, a project initiated by the International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR) and Ethiopian Forestry Development.FSC certification ensures sustainable management of forests for both timber and non-timber products while strengthening supply chain management, the director general emphasized. Understanding these supply chains is crucial for enhancing Ethiopia's participation in global forest product markets, he said. The director general also added, "By equipping ourselves with the necessary knowledge and tools, we can ensure our products meet international standards, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships on the global stage."Annah Agasha, FSC Coordinator for Eastern Africa, described the launch as a monumental achievement, reflecting years of collaboration and a shared vision. She reiterated FSC Eastern Africa's commitment to supporting the Ethiopian government, communities, and partners in implementing the standard across rel evant sectors. By adhering to the standard, smallholders and communities can maximize the benefits from the forests they manage.FSC certification also aligns with the European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR), which requires companies to ensure that their products are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation. This alignment allows Ethiopian forest products, including bamboo, to compete in the growing global market for sustainably sourced goods, including other non-timber forest products (NTFPs) like coffee, honey, and spices.