The study, the first of its kind, conducted by CIFOR and jointly funded by WWF and CIFOR, utilizes a robust methodology to compare nine FSC certified and nine noncertified forest management units across Gabon, Cameroon and Republic of Congo, to assess whether certification yields social benefits above and beyond noncertified FMUs. Overall, the study firmly and consistently confirms that FSC certification has indeed yielded additional social benefit in the Congo Basin.

In response to the granting of oil concessions in Virunga National Park, WWF has launched a campaign to raise awareness of Virunga’s economic value and the implications of oil development for local communities and the environment. As part of the campaign, WWF commissioned Dalberg Global Development Advisors to study
Virunga’s current and potential social and economic value and toindicate the implications of oil exploration and exploitation.