22.04.2025. Nature and forests – we are those who strive to give them value, ensuring that they continue to inspire and thrive in the future we envision.
Have you ever been to the Congo Basin? 220 million hectares of natural tropical forests supply us with the things we need to run our planet: oxygen, rain and climate regulation, with carbon safely stocked in trees (and wood).
And then again – water, food, fuel, fibre, medicines, fertile soils… Forests touch lives beyond national borders. But so do their threats.
© Deposit photos
Never has the need to be in tune with nature been more urgent. In less than one century, man has eroded its life source. In Africa alone, WWF reports, biodiversity has dropped by 76%.
At Interholco, we understand that responsible forestry transcends timber production; it's about preserving the intricate web of life within the forests we manage. Our stewardship of 1.16 million hectares in the Congo Basin reflects our dedication to harmonizing economic objectives with better living conditions and ecological integrity.
© Deposit photos
The Mega-Gardeners of Congo
The African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) and western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are more than iconic species; they are active players in maintaining forest health. Forest elephants are prolific seed dispersers, consuming a variety of fruits and facilitating the spread of numerous tree species. Their foraging habits also thin out younger vegetation, allowing sunlight to penetrate and nourish the forest understory. Notably, forest elephants undertake extensive migrations, often covering distances of up to 57 kilometers in a 72-hour period. This movement enables them to disperse seeds across vast areas, including into neighboring national parks such as Odzala-Kokoua (an elephant stronghold) and Ntokou-Pikounda, thereby promoting genetic diversity and forest regeneration across the landscape.
Planned Harvesting: Enhancing Forest Dynamics and Carbon Sequestration
Global distribution of living tree biomass (in tonnes per hectare), derived by integrating a wood density map with spatially explicit data. Source
Our approach to selective low intensity harvesting (less than 1 tree per football field, only once every 30 years) allows the forest to maintain its integrity, recover to its initial stage within short time due to a higher growth and energy flow. Open forests foster the growth of light-demanding tree species. These species often possess higher wood density, translating to a recovery of the carbon stock. By harvesting only 69% of our allocated 1.16 million hectares as production forest in the North of the Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), we ensure that significant, high conservation value forests remain untouched, serving as reservoirs of biodiversity and carbon.
Integrating Conservation with Sustainable Development
Harvesting selectively according to a well-defined forest management plan contributes to the ecological integrity of a contiguous landscape exceeding 3 million hectares—approximately the size of Belgium—encompassing two neighboring national parks. This vast, interconnected habitat is crucial for the free movement and genetic diversity of wildlife populations.
© Interholco
Upholding Rigorous Environmental Standards
We adhere to the stringent socio-ecological safeguards set forth by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme de reconnaissance des certifications forestières (PEFC). Each certificate brings unique strengths. Notably, we hold dual FSC certification for both Forest Management and Ecosystem Services. On top of that, we are advancing initiatives to certify forest carbon protection and emission reductions, reinforcing our commitment to ecological integrity.
« By safeguarding the Congo Basin's forests, we are not only ensuring a sustainable supply of responsibly sourced timber, but also championing the protection of a locally and globally significant ecosystem, » stresses Tom van Loon, Head of Sustainability at INTERHOLCO. « Our practices reflect a harmonious blend of economic viability and environmental stewardship, securing the myriad benefits these forests provide for generations to come. »
About Interholco
The valorisation of a natural forest of 1.16 million hectares in the Republic of Congo Brazzaville is our DNA here at INTERHOLCO. As an FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®, FSC® C022952) and PEFC and PAFC certified producer, INTERHOLCO is a well-established player in the trade of its edged boules, sawn timber, glue laminated scantlings, decking boards and more.
We are a leading provider of high-quality wood products ‘Made in Africa’ holding a verified environmental and health performance statement (FDES requirement in France). Our teams carefully manage the supply chain from forest to customer. Our story is fully illustrated by enabling the people living in Ngombe to access better life conditions. We make it possible to design and build a healthy living environment with bio-based, eco-friendly materials, one of the real solutions for the planet and climate. Follow us on LinkedIn
Communication contact Interholco
Tullia Baldassarri Höger von Högersthal
INTERHOLCO AG, Neuhofstr. 25, 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.
