The film shows how the rules followed by IFO to comply with FSC requirements play a major role in this peaceful cohabitation. IFO lumberjacks only cut one tree every two hectares – the equivalent of two football pitches – on average. The concession is divided into 30 different areas, and only one of these areas gets harvested annually to let other sections of forest regenerate for 30 years.

Additionally, 27 per cent of the total forest surface is set aside permanently to preserve the trees, providing valuable resources for local populations – including local Indigenous Peoples – and providing shelters where there is a high concentrations of animals and rare plant species.

All these measures have proved to be positive for the conservation of gorillas.

In turn, gorillas who are big fruit eaters, contribute to forest regeneration by spreading seeds across the rainforest.

Certified forest concessions under FSC are also required to maintain constant dialogue with local communities – including the Indigenous Peoples – to help protect their interests, keep them informed of the company’s harvest activities and to some extent, provide jobs. Through this dialogue, the company educates forest inhabitants about the benefits of managing forests sustainably and preserving their flora and wildlife.

You may watch the documentary on the ARTE website in French and German.