INTRODUCTION
The workshop was organized by University of Abuja in collaboration with Soil Association UK entitled “THE ROLE OF FORESTRY STEAWARSHIP COUNCIL (FSC) FOREST CERTIFICATION IN SUPPORTING RESPONSIBLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA ”on 21st –-25th March, 2022 at Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja- Nigeria.
The participants were drawn from different forestry stakeholders; Ministries of Agriculture, Environment and Forestry and other Government Agencies, Academics, farmers, students and NGO’s across the country.
OPENING
The workshop was opened by the Vice Chancellor University of Abuja represented by the Acting Dean Faculty of Agriculture; Dr. A. A. Oyerinde. He welcomed the participants and wished us successful deliberations. He assured the participants at the workshop of the University’s support throughout the period of the training. He further stated that the University of Abuja is the fastest-growing Institution in Nigeria, especially in the field of Agriculture. The presentations for the training were made at New Lecture Hall, Faculty of Agriculture of the University. Before the presentation the anchor of the workshop, Dr I.N. Abdullahi introduced the trainers; Clive Thomas and Severinus Jembe from Soil Association UK. Self-introduction of the participants and opening prayer were made prior to the presentations.
PRESENTATIONS
The presentations on various aspects of FSC certification were made concurrently by both presenters.
On Day 1 presentations deliberated on background and structure of forest certifications, FSC overview and how it works as well as reviewing FSC National standard. Exercises were carried out by the participants in relation to the Nigerian situation with reference to the Ugandan case.
Day 2 presentations for the training were conducted on FSC as a market-based system, in which an overview of market opportunities for forest certification in Nigeria and legal governance for forest certification were discussed. The participants interacted and identified the legal and forest governance foundation for Nigeria as a case study that would conform to FSC’s standard for certification.
Day 3 training was on the importance of stakeholders, the impact of environmental assessment and high conservation values in forest certification. The participants interacted and identified stakeholders, environmental impacts and high conservation values under FSC.
Day 4. A courtesy visit was paid to V.C. Prof Abdulrasheed Na’Allah by the facilitators accompanied by the anchor of the workshop Dr. I. N. Abdullahi. The training was on the management system, group certification and audit process work. A second session discussed on the key steps and way forward for forest certification in Nigeria. This was followed by a plenary session among trainees on the topics discussed and a general overview of the training workshop.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Nigeria is blessed with forest resources and several stakeholders; therefore responsible forest management is recommended and could be achieved by the following;
1. There is a need for more regular training on responsible forest management among forestry professionals and related disciplines in Nigeria for better knowledge and preparation for forest certification.
2. There is a need for review of existing forest acts and laws, to accommodate FSC principles of good forest management (2015 revised edition).
3. Forest management should incorporate adequate social and environmental impact assessment of production activities and processes adopted by forest owners and stakeholders.
4. There is an urgent need for the development of a National Standard for Nigerian forests using FSC International Generic Indicators toward achieving responsible forest management and legality of marketable forest products.
5. There is a need for companies, organisations and exporters of wood and wood products the adopt Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification for timber and non-timber forest products along the supply chain.
6. Responsible management of Nigerian forests should include proper identification and establishment of resources of High Conservation Values (HCV).
7. There is a need for proper identification and engagement of both interested and affected forest stakeholders toward achieving effective responsible forest management and forest certification.
8. It is recommended that stakeholders, professionals and organizations be registered as members of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to participate in decision-making for global responsible forest management.
CONCLUSION
The four-day training was successfully conducted and FSC packages for responsible forest management were discussed and fully deliberated. The trainees were well equipped with technical know-how for responsible forest management using FSC standards within the Nigerian context.