Mozambique’s forests, which blanket nearly 40% of the country, are entering a new era of governance. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has officially announced the publication of the Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS), set to become effective on March 15, 2026. This milestone arrives at a critical juncture for the nation’s Miombo woodlands—vast dry tropical forests that serve as a sanctuary for 80% of Mozambique’s terrestrial mammals, including iconic species like lions, leopards, and over half of Africa’s remaining elephant population.

The urgency of this standard is underscored by a sobering reality: nearly 60% of Mozambique’s forest resources have suffered degradation due to illegal logging and slash-and-burn agriculture. This environmental decline carries a heavy economic price, costing the nation approximately $500 million annually. Between 2017 and 2020 alone, an estimated 2.6 million tonnes of logs—worth roughly $900 million—were illegally siphoned out of the country, undermining the government’s ban on raw log exports.

The new IFSS provides forest operators with a rigorous, transparent framework to demonstrate sustainability and legal compliance. By meeting these international benchmarks, Mozambican timber can gain "market access" to environmentally conscious buyers in Europe and beyond, where certified products often command higher value and greater price stability. Crucially, the standard is inclusive, applying to both large concessions and Small or Low Intensity Managed Forests (SLIMFs), ensuring that local communities—who rely on the Miombo for everything from honey and medicine to charcoal—are not left behind in the transition to a "green economy."

Beyond economics, the standard is a linchpin for Mozambique’s climate resilience. Under the Paris Agreement, the country has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 76.5 million tonnes by 2030. As the first nation to receive payments from the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility for REDD+ efforts, Mozambique is already a leader in carbon sequestration. The IFSS reinforces this by ensuring that timber production maintains the forest’s ability to act as a vital carbon sink.

The development of the standard was an exhaustive, stakeholder-led process involving over 160 participants, including community leaders, NGOs like the WWF, and government agencies. As it rolls out in 2026, the IFSS will align with major regional initiatives such as the Maputo Declaration and AFR100, turning the tide from degradation toward a future of restored landscapes and empowered rural communities.

Africa News

Mozambique Strengthens Wildlife and Climate Protections with New Forest Standard