Group: Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (GxABT, ULiège) – University of Dschang (UDs, Cameroon) – Groupe Rougier and the International Tropical Timber Technical Association (ATIBT)
The industrial timber sector in Central Africa is a vital economic pillar for the region. It contributes significantly to gross domestic product (GDP) and job creation, both in the formal and informal sectors. However, its development is closely linked to the demands of the international market, particularly with regard to the sustainability and legality of products. The accession of Central African countries to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates trade in endangered species, adds an additional layer of regulations that operators must comply with.
This research project will evaluate the economic and social impacts of these regulatory measures on the industrial timber sector in Central Africa. It will include an in-depth analysis of the impact on employment, local people’s incomes, investments in rural infrastructure and the fight against poverty. It will also examine the consequences for forest administrations, logging companies and local communities.
The methodology will include a literature review, field surveys and interviews with the main stakeholders in the sector. The data collected will be analysed using statistical models and qualitative approaches to evaluate the economic and social impacts. The findings will act as valuable information to policy-makers and players in the sector and will inform future policies and strategies.
The expected results include a complete inventory of the industrial timber sector in connection with CITES, a detailed analysis of its economic and social impact, and documentation of the consequences of CITES measures for each country. The results will be disseminated in scientific publications, press articles, outreach activities and presentations at symposiums and conferences, thereby broadly raising awareness and providing easy access to information for all stakeholders.
