Tropical Timber Markets & Value Chains: Lessons Learned and the Path Forward for Responsible Forestry
The session will start with a reflection on various market initiatives that are either in the past or ongoing. Then it will move to a presentation on new potential approaches that might be of value. Each of these presentations will set the stage for a facilitated discussion with participants to gain from their experience and observations. Prior to the session potential participants will receive by email a short 5–7-page discussion paper written to provide background for the session.
Gijs Breukink, WWF Netherlands
Gijs Breukink is Senior Advisor for Responsible Forestry at WWF Netherlands and a board member of FSC Netherlands. At WWF, he serves as a key liaison, working with the Global Biodiversity Practice, country offices, global initiatives, NGOs, governments, and corporate partners to advance responsible forestry. He drives WWF’s Global Forest Strategy with a focus on mobilizing the forest industry toward sustainability and co-leads Forests Forward, WWF’s flagship corporate programme supporting businesses in aligning with nature, climate, and communities.
Aurélien Sautière, FSC France
Aurélien Sautière, Executive Director of FSC France since 2014, studied human geography, land use planning and geopolitics in France and Spain. Previously, he led the French association Décider ensemble, promoting consultation and shared decision-making among policymakers. Convinced that public policies and CSR initiatives require strong stakeholder dialogue, he applies this vision to sustainable forest management, integrating economic, social, and cultural dimensions. His guiding motto: “Alone we go faster, together we go further.”
Garrett Siegers, Whole Forest
Co-Founder of Whole Forest, Garrett has dedicated two decades to reversing deforestation in Ecuador by developing carbon-negative forest products and launching the country’s first private REDD+ initiative. His work integrates conservation, natural forest management, community stewardship, and high-value biophilic product design to create resilient, forest-based economies in biodiversity hotspots.
He serves as an LP and advisor to Savia Ventures, supports forest initiatives through Cities4Forests, and is a Kinship Conservation and Climatebase Fellow. Building on this impact-driven work, Garrett is now building a boutique investment advisory firm that generates alpha in public markets to channel liquidity into high-impact, conservation-focused investments across Latin America.
At the FSC Assembly, Garrett brings grounded experience in building conservation-focused value chains that align FSC standards with local livelihoods, climate resilience, and broader conservation goals, demonstrating how impact finance and certification can work together to scale nature-based solutions. He also speaks regularly on topics at the intersection of investment, climate, and forest-based economies.
Ingrid Hontis, Fedustria
Ingrid Hontis has worked at Fedustria since 2006, where she manages the sustainability, energy, economy, Europe, and technology department and chairs the Wood Importers section. At the European level, she is chair of the CEI-Bois Sustainability Working Group and active within ETTF and EFIC. Her expertise spans sustainability, wood availability, circular economy, and key regulatory topics such as the EUDR and CSRD, supporting the woodworking, furniture, and textile industries in Belgium and beyond.
Biography Rosalie Matondo, Minister of Forest Economy of the Republic of Congo
Rosalie Matondo is the Republic of Congo’s Minister of Forest Economy, Sustainable Development and Environment. She holds a PhD in Plant Biotechnology from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and taught for many years at Marien N’Gouabi University. With a strong background in forestry and climate issues, she coordinated national reforestation programs and advised the President before her ministerial appointment in 2016. She is dedicated to advancing sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
Vincent Istace, Olam Agri
Vincent Istace is Sustainability Head for Wood Products at Olam Agri, driven by a passion for responsible tropical forest stewardship. With expertise in agronomy, an Executive MBA, business sustainability management, and ESG analysis, he develops strategies that protect forests, support communities, and foster inclusive growth. Active in international working groups and certification boards, Vincent promotes collaboration as the cornerstone of success, advancing Olam Agri’s mission to ensure tropical forests and local communities thrive together sustainably.
Caroline Duhesme, ATIBT
Caroline Duhesme is Director of Innovation and Strategy at ATIBT. A tropical forestry engineer with over 20 years’ experience, she specializes in forest certification, traceability, and regulatory compliance. She has led numerous technical and strategic missions across Central Africa, Asia, and Europe. At ATIBT, she heads the ATIBT Certification and Carbon Commissions and actively contributes to building transparent, sustainable, and competitive timber supply chains.
Event Details
- Wednesday, 29 October
Time: 08:30 - 10:00 (EST - Panama) / 14:30 - 16:00 (CET) / 21:30 - 23:00 (WITA)