15.10.2020. To relate to a forest, is to relate to a country and its inhabitants. To the people, with their culture. Their dreams and aspirations, as much as their shortcomings and concerns. Relationships never stop being a work in progress. Dealing with a forest is no exception. We can become more intelligent and wiser, and over time, more fertile, if we work with others to reinvent the way of our future.

In 2020, INTERHOLCO has a word for it: ALLIANCE. It is a theme that runs right through in its Sustainability Report. With a rainbow, stretching over the forest it manages in the Republic of Congo.

Connecting opposites that do not necessarily attract, the rainbow is a bridge across troubled water: climate change, pollution, fires, disease and resource depletion. Ushering a culture of ALLIANCE, INTERHOLCO looks to its customers, suppliers, NGOs, researchers, governments, the financial sector, local communities, etc. INTERHOLCO recognises that, if each remains apart, things will not change. But together, we are strong and can yield creative results.

Cross-pollination, however unexpected, can ultimately be phenomenally successful, in terms of safeguarding natural forests and their wildlife. But also, in terms of social inclusion, with fewer disparities. Of suppliers conforming to standards and policies, leading markets to a more level playing field. All the way to green cities and a green economy, born of a material that is natural, healthy, renewable, sustainable, traceable and carbon positive: Sustainable Hardwood Made in Africa.

FAQ that are answered in INTERHOLCO’s Sustainability Report 2020:

	INTERHOLCO’s vision: why an ALLIANCE? p. 8-9, 46-47
	Striking an ALLIANCE: is everyone included? p. 18-19, 22-37
	Employees and their communities: improving their lives and taking ownership? p. 48-88
	Indigenous peoples’ rights: respected? p. 27-28, 65-71
	Health in the heart of the forest: safeguarded? p. 52-55
	Critical voices and INTERHOLCO: what about forests? p. 83-84
	Collaboration with social NGOs: progressive? p. 31, 67-71
	Intact forests in Congo: protected and maintained? p. 30, 73-74
	FSC®-certified forests in Congo, zero deforestation: what is this in reality? p. 80-88
	Biodiversity conservation: national parks and FSC-certified forests, two birds of a feather? p. 75
	INTERHOLCO’s wood products, carbon positive: how is this possible? p. 79
	Innovative wood products: how does INTERHOLCO make better use of what nature provides? p. 41-44
	External wood suppliers: how does INTERHOLCO’s specific due diligence ensure legality and sustainability – from day one? p. 43, 45
	ESG, GRI and UN SDGs: alphabet soup or part of INTERHOLCO’s business DNA? p. 6, 41-42, 108, 116, 118

Somewhere over the rainbow lies a forest of solutions!

Discover INTERHOLCO’s Sustainability Report 2020 in French, first: http://bit.ly/IHC-Alliance-2020

The English translation will be online, at the beginning of December 2020.