FRA welcomes DR Congo forestry protection decision

Aug. 8, 2011 - PRLog -- Seattle, United States -- Forestry Research Associates (FRA) is welcoming the decision by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to entrust the management of a large section of its forest land to a Canadian company.

Ecosystem Restoration Associates (ERA) will take control of the project, which will involve the management and protection of a 300,000-hectare site in the Mai-Ndombe forest, in western Bandundu province. FRA, a research and analysis consultancy, said the move will help the African nation prevent deforestation under the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation (REDD+) program.

The government’s Environment Minister, Jose Endundo, said, "For us, it's about containing deforestation, restoring the forests and making this country a green country in the interest of the international community.”

Congo is of vital importance to the REDD+ efforts as it is home to 50 per cent of Africa’s forested land. The ERA is planning to try to teach local people about the sustainable management approaches that can help them to make a living from the forests while maintaining them for future generations and for their carbon capture capabilities.

ERA’s representative for Africa, John Kendall, said that the decision made by the DRC’s government will help to make a clear statement about its credibility and commitment to playing its part in the protection of the forests and the prevention of climate change.

FRA's analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, “We very much welcome the DRC’s decision to bring in Canada’s ERA to handle the section of woodland area within the Mai-Ndombe forest.”

He continued, “It is vital that countries with large areas of forested land take serious measures to help put an end to deforestation and illegal logging that could have major repercussions for the planet. The REDD+ scheme is providing financial incentives to help developing countries to look after their forests and protect them for the benefit of the planet as a whole."

FRA also supports managed forestry projects in other emerging economies, like Brazil, where firms like Greenwood Management are bringing in foreign investment to help provide alternatives to native timber and forestry products.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

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Forestry Research Associates
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