22.04.2021. INTERHOLCO works in synergy with the state eco-guards. Close cooperation between the state and the private sector for sustainable wildlife management is an arrangement which is unique to the Republic of Congo, as researchers from the University of Liège have recently illustrated.
The Surveillance and Anti-Poaching Unit that Mr. BOKANDZA coordinates (USLAB, in French) comprises 40 law-enforcing eco-guards that patrol the Ngombé forest managed by INTERHOLCO in the North of the Republic of Congo through its subsidiary IFO.
Mr. BOKANDZA joined in 2018, something changed in the way the eco-guards dealt with the 16’000 inhabitants – for the better.
In Mr. BOKANDZA's words: https://youtu.be/NRzy9I1z7Y0
Talking wood
Of course, wood does not speak in and of itself. That is why INTERHOLCO has chosen to let the men and women of the trade have their say, in order to show the scope of the activities, the commitment of the teams, the future paths opened up by “Sustainable Hardwood – Made in Africa” and the solutions it brings, in all areas.
About USLAB
Mr. José Blanchard BOKANDZA heads the USLAB (French acronym standing for ‘Surveillance and Anti-Poaching Unit’), acting as coordinator of 40 law-enforcing eco-guards that patrol the forest managed by INTERHOLCO through its subsidiary IFO, in the Northern part of the Republic of Congo.
IFO’s management and environmental unit maintain close links with Mr. Bokandza, providing him with technical assistance and any information collected in the field that may prove useful in carrying out USLAB missions.
The establishment of USLAB is provided for in the agreements signed by INTERHOLCO with the Congolese state. The state is responsible for the sovereign missions of territorial surveillance and the fight against poaching. USLAB agents are made available to IFO by the Ministry of Forest Economy and report directly to Agence Congolaise de la faune et des aires protégées (ACFAP, or Congolese Agency for Wildlife and Protected Areas). IFO is responsible for the proper logistical functioning of the USLAB.
About INTERHOLCO
INTERHOLCO offers Sustainable Hardwood 'Made in Africa' as a responsible solution to promote better living conditions (construction with wood), reduce climate change, and increase social justice. As FSC-certified producer specialized in producing and trading logs, sawn timber, glued laminated scantlings and other products, INTERHOLCO manages the entire chain, from forest to customers since 1962. Harvesting wood selectively, INTERHOLCO protects 1.1 million hectares of natural forest from permanent conversion to agricultural land, giving 16’000 local inhabitants access to quality basic services and keeping the habitat of thousands of gorillas and elephants.
Communications contact INTERHOLCO
Tullia Baldassarri Höger von Högersthal
INTERHOLCO AG, Schutzengelstr. 36, 6340 Baar, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 (0)41 767 03 82
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.