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

The first stage of Phase I of the project finalized the draft ATO/ITTO PCI for endorsement of both organizations, trained up to 60 relevant forestry staff in 3 countries in their implementation and developed an auditing framework for African forests. Over 60 trainers able to conduct audits based on the ATO/ITTO PCI at the forest management unit level were also trained in the first stage.

The second stage of Phase I of the project is of 18 months duration and includes activities to strengthen country reporting using the C&I, further national training on the PC&I and auditing framework, development of national PCI/certification standards in 5 countries, collection of data on PCI in 10 countries, improvement of national monitoring/auditing frameworks in 10 countries, and enhancement of ATO’s advisory and dissemination capacity in relation to PCI.