Alpicam in Camerun: sustainable forest management

For Alpi Group (www.alpi.it), the processing of wood as a raw material entails respecting the environment. Since the beginning of the company’s industrial activity, Alpi pays utmost attention to the environmental impact of each processing phase, which takes on even greater significance in the forest concessions held by the company in Africa. 
Alpicam – an Alpi Group company operating in Cameroon – has for quite some time been applying the sustainable forest management standards, a solid and constant commitment that has led to the implementation of continuous improvement procedures having a positive effect on both the environment and society.
As an example, the fight against poaching in the concessions has been strengthened, thanks to continuous inspections and full-time surveillance that discourages poachers. Yet, this is not enough: at the same time, at the sites of Kika and Mindourou, two company stores were opened to provide workers with an alternative to the so-called “bush meat”, thereby replacing the demand for this type of food.
In addition, the environmental impact studies for the two forest stands have been completed in recent months and the already rigorous procedures for the management of wood and non-wood waste was further improved. 
With respect to people-oriented interventions, it should be noted that work has been conducted to determine the tasks that are potentially dangerous, so that employees can be provided with the most appropriate personal protective equipment. The Alpicam managers at Kika and Mindourou have also made an effort to improve relationships with the local communities, through the creation of the “Village Forests Committees”. The committees provide an opportunity for these two worlds to come together, to discuss and to share projects, problems and solutions. 
Also in this regard, this past May a concerted action platform was created among the various interested parties that populate the forest massif of Ndama-Ndjiwe, located between the Department of Kadey and that of Boumba-et-Ngoko, in eastern Cameroon.
Working in the African forest concessions also offers the resident population an opportunity for professional growth. Last October, Alpicam paved the way for a multi-year training programme, in collaboration with French associations that engage in international cooperation. The courses cover many topics, from cartography to equipment maintenance, with particular attention to topics relating to work safety.