FSC Indigenous Foundation Convenes Africa Workshop
More than 50 Indigenous representatives, women, youth, and partners gathered in Douala, Cameroon, to discuss forest governance and FSC certification.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Africa
The FSC Indigenous Foundation convened more than 50 Indigenous representatives, women, youth, and partners in Douala, Cameroon, in collaboration with REPALEAC. The workshop focused on Indigenous Peoples' participation in forest governance and FSC certification.
Why it matters
The workshop gathered participants primarily from across Africa to share experiences and priorities on making FSC certification more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to local realities. Discussions were intended to strengthen regional collaboration among those affected by forest governance decisions.
The workshop drew more than 50 participants, primarily from across Africa, according to the reporting organization. No comparator figure or attendance history is provided, and the source does not state what concrete outcomes the gathering produced.
The players
FSC Indigenous Foundation
The FSC Indigenous Foundation is an organization that supports Indigenous Peoples' engagement with Forest Stewardship Council certification and forest governance.
REPALEAC
REPALEAC is a regional network that collaborated with the FSC Indigenous Foundation to host the Douala workshop.
FSC Africa
FSC Africa is the regional office of the Forest Stewardship Council, which promotes responsible forest management across the continent.
The details
FSC Africa was represented by Paul Opanga, Labour Issues Manager, Patrick Piemme Epie, Sub-Regional Coordinator for Congo Basin and West Africa, and William Lawyer, Policy and Standards Manager for Africa. The FSC Indigenous Foundation also expressed appreciation to REPALEAC and FSC Africa colleagues following the event.
Timeline
- Article about the Douala workshop published November 3, 2026.
Big Picture
The workshop extends the Forest Stewardship Council certification framework by focusing on how Indigenous Peoples can take a stronger role in forest governance and certification decisions across Africa.
Travelers and visitors to Douala should note the city hosted an international gathering of Indigenous and forest-governance stakeholders. The source does not indicate any changes to travel logistics, access, or local services.
The takeaway
Indigenous participation is increasingly central to how forest certification is discussed across Africa. Readers following forest governance should watch for follow-up initiatives that build on regional collaboration.
Further reading
For broader regional context, explore more Africa travel destinations.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Forestry in South Africa - Forestry in South Africa Business Directory.
