Our work
Sustainable
forestry
our mandate
Tropical rainforests are invaluable global assets, vital to biodiversity conservation, climate stability, and local livelihoods. Recognizing this, Iwokrama is committed to demonstrating how these ecosystems can be responsibly managed to benefit both people and nature.
Our Sustainable Timber Harvesting Model
To fulfil its mandate, Iwokrama started its sustainable timber harvesting operation to demonstrate the wise use of forest resources through low-impact harvesting. The Centre has developed a model of ownership and responsibility, involving the private sector and local communities not just as stakeholders—but co-owners and shareholders in a sustainable forest-based business.
Iwokrama employs a polycyclic, silvicultural harvesting system which is based on the selective harvest of up to 20 species on a 60-year cutting cycle.
The average annual harvesting area is about 1,560 ha (less than 0.5% of the forest) under a very selective harvesting system so only a few stems per hectares are usually removed and no large gaps are created in the forest canopy.
The operations follow best practice guidelines, including a strict “no-log export” policy and the use of low impact techniques such as Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) including Directional Felling (DF).
Сertified by the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™)
To ensure the highest environmental and social standards, Iwokrama’s operations are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) for Forest Management and Chain of Custody. First certified in 2008 and re-certified in 2016, Iwokrama has successfully maintained its certification through multiple annual surveillance audits, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to best practices that balance conservation, community well-being, and economic sustainability.
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