As part of their on-the-job training at CIB Olam in the Republic of Congo, the students in the Forest Management Techniques (TAF) course stayed in Loundoungou from 22 to 25 October 2024 to actively participate in the DYNAFFOR system's forest dynamics monitoring activities. This permanent system for monitoring forest dynamics in Central Africa aims to quantify the effects of the environment, timber exploitation and their interaction on forest dynamics. It also aims to improve the knowledge of public, private and scientific players about the future of the Congo Basin forest.

Students enhanced their knowledge of the botany of forest species during their trip. They participated in monitoring the growth and mortality of trees in 40 experimental plots covering around 40 hectares. This forestry activity also enabled the students to strengthen their skills in the installation of devices for monitoring forest dynamics and to understand its importance in the development and sustainable management of tropical forests. In addition, this field trip provided an important opportunity for skills transfer between the field experts and the trainees, through South-South cooperation. The involvement of professionals in the training of students enhances their professional development and then their employability.

Photo: Skills transfer to ERAIFT learners by CIB Olam staff in Loundoungou

ERAIFT sincerely thanks CIB Olam for the warm welcome, practical training and substantial logistical support provided to its learners. It also expresses its gratitude to Professor Jean-Louis Doucet for his support for the training and for his mobilization to ensure the success of this training in the field. ERAIFT would also like to thank the European Union, AGRINATURA and Nature + for their support.