Seedlings being inserted into soils in a nursery, Olam.

    Republic of Congo

    Olam acquired Congolaise Industrielle des Bois (CIB) in 2011, commencing operations in the country.

    We operate forest management concessions and processing in the Sangha province, covering approximately 2.1 million hectares, each obtained under long-term lease agreements and all managed in accordance with the Sustainable Forest Management standards.

    We’ve FSC® certification for about 1.8 million hectares. About 92,500 hectares are preserved as standing forest under REDD+. 

    Logs are selectively harvested on an annual basis over 3 separate phases. Harvested logs not directly exported are processed locally in our own mills, drying kilns and moulding factory.

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    REDD+

    We operate a pioneering REDD+ initiative to realise value from 92,530 hectares of standing forest in our Pikounda Nord concession, in the Sangha region of the Congo River Basin. The objective is to generate alternative revenues from sustainably managed forest by valuing the forest as a carbon sink and to originate carbon credits for the pre-compliance voluntary carbon market. This market is considered best practice and is recognised by the global carbon community as able to generate solid and marketable credits.

    CIB and RoC Joint FCPF Joint Proposal

    The FCPF became operational in June 2008. It’s focused on several key areas: reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation; forest carbon stock conservation; sustainable management of forests; and enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+).

    CIB is partnering with the Republic of Congo on a proposal accepted by the FCPF in 2014. The World Bank is funding our joint proposal, and once implemented and the emissions verified, will purchase some of the carbon credits.

    Local Languages on the Airwaves

    With the support of The Forest Trust and Fondation Chirac, Biso na Biso (meaning “Between Us”) was the first community radio station to broadcast in local languages across the Congo Basin. Since 2007, it has enabled CIB and indigenous communities to share information, and ensure that social, cultural and religious needs are respected.

    Olam as an Employer

    Whether it’s a seasonal or a permanent position you’re interested in, we seek talented individuals to join our team and offer a range of opportunities to grow – no pun intended!

    Visit our careers section for more information on the types of roles and vacancies available. 

    Initiatives

    Infrastructure

    We’ve invested in infrastructure to ensure the wellbeing of employees. This has also benefitted the surrounding indigenous communities with modern housing, schools, hospitals and sports fields.

    Talk to Our Team

    Whether you’re interested in speaking to our country management team, enquiring about one of our products or partnering with us, we want to hear from you.

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