Equatoria Teak Company (ETC) is South Sudan’s leading sustainable agro-forestry company. ETC was founded in 2006, and along with its sister company, Green Environ Teak Company (GETC) currently manages six teak concessions in Western Equatoria State totalling 2,200 ha. of planted teak and over 25,000 ha. of concession area. The company plants and sustainably harvests Tectona Grandis, the highest quality plantation teak outside Myanmar. The trees produce a fine grain, high density, well coloured timber suitable for all applications. The teak is sold both regionally and internationally for indoor and outdoor applications. The company has developed a close association with the local community and invests heavily in its development. (Note: this is EFC wording)

Our consultants started working with Equatoria Teak Company in 2013, helping investigate the potential of gaining FSC^© certification for its forest areas.  During the most recent period of civil war in the country ETC remained in place and operating, providing sources of employment that resulted in less conflict within the state, but this meant putting any attempt to pursue FSC^© certification on hold. Forestry Solutions Africa is delighted to return back to South Sudan to see the progress ETC has made over the years.  It is simply astonishing to see all the old over mature teak stands felled and the areas replanted again.  The commitment of the ETC management and directors to remain in South Sudan and continue to provide solutions to a young country struggling with food stress, conflict and instability gives new meaning to “responsible sustainable forest management”.

We share a strong passion with ETC for the people of Africa and finding ways that commercial forest investment may assist in ways that not only provide socio-economic development while protecting and restoring natural ecosystems, but also attempting to provide solutions at local levels to challenges being faced on a global level.