24.09.2018. On 24th September the world celebrates World Gorilla Day. Next time you take one of INTERHOLCO’s wood products, look at it as the result of careful selection and sustainable practices that are key in protecting gorilla in the wild, a glorious species with whom we share 98% of our DNA.
A recent WCS study reveals that across Western and Central Africa many more gorillas are found than expected. Interestingly, 80% of them live outside national parks. That is also the case in our forest, hosting thousands of lowland gorilla, as revealed by WCS in its Survey on wildlife and human impacts. In order to estimate an approximate figure, WCS developed a complex methodology which may be found in their survey.
Stretching across 1,1 million ha in the North of the Republic of Congo, the forest we manage through our production site, IFO, is certified according to the international, inclusive and holistic FSC® ‘forest management’ standard. Looking at the forest as a whole, not only do we maintain the forest as a living ecosystem, but also we put in place measures to protect gorilla (same as other animals) – which, in turn, translates into employment opportunities with a number of benefits for about 16’000 inhabitants belonging to the local and indigenous communities.
In particular, about 40 eco-guards patrol our forest and receive regular training, in close cooperation with the neighbouring Odzala National Park. Eco-guards have a key role to play to make our gorilla population feel safe and at home. In our forest, gorillas and forestry activities live side-by-side. Each and every morning, when workers drive into the forest, gorillas are close by, carrying out their daily activities. This does remind us of our responsibility towards wildlife living with us inside the forest; not only gorillas, but also forest elephants, buffaloes, chimpanzees or leopards.
Our vision: take synergistic actions to protect Africa’s natural capital, bringing together national parks with responsible forestry companies to safeguard tropical forests and their wildlife, for future generations to come.
Learn more: https://www.interholco.com/sustainability/environmental-landscape
About Interholco
Since 1962, INTERHOLCO AG is serving an international clientele with high-quality hardwood – made in Africa: logs, lumber, laminated products and more. In addition to three processing sawmills, several kilns, a lamination mill and a planing mill, INTERHOLCO AG manages an FSC-certified 1.1 million ha forest concession in the Republic of Congo, employing about 1’000 people. Based in Switzerland, INTERHOLCO AG is one of the leading international suppliers of sustainable hardwood – made in Africa.
Communications contact Interholco
Tullia Baldassarri Höger von Högersthal
INTERHOLCO AG, Schutzengelstr. 36, 6340 Baar, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 (0)41 767 03 82
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