Project/activity information

ITTC Decision 4(XXIX) called for the formulation of this project in order to develop a framework of cooperation between ITTO and ATO for the promotion and application of the ATO/ITTO principles, criteria and indicators (PCI) for the sustainable management of African forests, which could eventually lead to credible assessment and certification systems. The specific objectives of the project are to:

(i) establish key elements of the adequate capacity required to implement the ATO/ITTO PCI at national level in the African member countries of ITTO.
(ii) establish key elements of the adequate capacity required for effective regional level cooperation through the ATO to support individual member countries to implement the ATO/ITTO PCI.

The project will finalize the draft ATO/ITTO PCI for endorsement by both organizations. The project will train at least 60 relevant forestry staff in each country in their implementation. It will also develop an auditing framework for African forests and train at least 60 trainers to conduct audits based on the ATO/ITTO PCI at the FMU level. The project will also promote periodic reporting by countries on the basis of national PCI, contributing to ITTO’s information sharing objective.

The first stage of phase one of the project extends over 18 months and includes establishment of a 9 country forum on SFM, development of national PCI/certification standards in 4 countries, collection of data on PCI in 6 countries, improvement of national monitoring/auditing frameworks in 5 countries, development of a training program for implementing the harmonized PCI in 2 countries, and enhancement of ATO’s advisory and dissemination capacity in relation to PCI.