African Caucus elects representatives for Permanent Indigenous Peoples’ Committee (PIPC) of the Forest Stewardship Council, in Tanzania

By Isaac Malugu

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, non-profit organization founded in 1993 by environmentalists, social interest groups, responsible retailers and leading forest companies to develop standards. These standards are based on the ‘10 principles for forest stewardship’, by which forests can be responsibly managed. They also make sure that environmental, social and economic needs are balanced, and that long-term and healthy forest management plans are put into practice. 

FSC certification is internationally recognized as having the most rigorous environmental and social standards which define responsible forest management. Its great strength lies in its ability to encourage communication between people with different interests, ideas and philosophies. Bringing together businesses, governments and communities provides a unique tool for dealing with the complex issues surrounding forestry. 

The FSC Permanent Indigenous Peoples’ Committee (PIPC), is one of the important committee for discussing and championing indigenous people issues. PIPC held its last meeting in Dar es Salaam from 3-4th June 2014. The meeting was hosted by FSC East Africa sub region office, led by Regional Coordinator; Paul Opanga in collaboration with Tanzanian FSC Standard Development Group under the chair of Isaac Malugu from WWF Tanzania, WWF is keenly supporting FSC initiatives in Tanzania and currently facilitating the development of national FSC Standards.

This event was held to make recommendations to the FSC Board that will strengthen and renew the engagement of Indigenous people in FSC.  At the beginning of 2014, Indigenous People from four (4) international regions; Canada, Latin America, Northern Europe-Russia, and Asia-Oceania, met and successfully nominated members to the committee. The African Caucus was the final for completing the circle and called together to provide guidance to the PIPC and nominate its representative(s) to the committee.

Adam Ole Mwarabu from Tanzania was unanimously elected to represent the Africa region. Adam comes from Indigenous Maasai communities of Tanzania. Edna Kaptoyo from Kenya was also elected as alternate from East Africa. The Batwa communities of Central and West Africa will be represented by Venant Messe from Cameroon and Louise Kavira from Republic of Congo.  

The revised Principle Three (3) of the FSC Principles and Criteria is the strongest ‘normative’ statement on Indigenous Rights concerning a natural resource sector amongst all certification systems globally.  With the formal adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and Free Prior and Informed Consent gaining strength daily, engaging and informing the FSC system is critical as indigenous people advance for their rights and partnerships in relation to the forest and their traditional territories.

In closing the caucus, the PIPC Chairperson and Executive Director of National Aboriginal Association from Canada, said, “Envision a strong committee strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ FSC engagement around the world in partnership with, by, and for Indigenous Peoples in the forest on a permanent basis”.

The PIPC membership lasts for 10 years with two terms of 5 years. The next FSC General Assembly will be held in Spain and PIPC looks forward for active participation.