In the DRC, timber production is estimated at 3 to 4 millions of cubic meters (m3) per year, far below wood harvesting for energy (estimated at 80 millions m3).  85% of timber is extracted to meet local demand. This demand will continue to grow in the coming decades due to demographic pressure. This increase in wood consumption, and thus timber extraction activities, will inevitably accelerate the loss of forest resources. In addition, over 95% of these activities are informal or even illegal, and therefore not subject to any management standards. The political context, para-fiscality and competition of the informal sector are obstacles for the formal sector to make a sizable contribution to the national economy.

The Programme for the Sustainable Management of Forests (PGDF) aims at significantly improving forest governance at national, provincial and local levels, and contributing to reducing emissions through promoting sustainable management practices and enhancing living standards.

All financial information for this programme may be found on the MPTF Gateway here