RIL by FORM International: a proven concept

Introduction
FORM is a private consultancy firm established in 1992, specialising in various aspects of sustainable forest management including: forest management planning, Reduced Impact Logging, reforestation & certification. FORM has developed training modules for RIL training services in the forestry sector. Improved efficiency, environmental friendly forest operations and improved safety are guaranteed by this concept. These services have been developed in collaboration with forest managers since 1994 and have been implemented in various tropical countries in Central Africa, South America and Asia. FORM has developed training courses for forest personnel and forest managers.

Training courses for forest personnel
The courses are conducted in teams and are characterised by:

• Training in the forest and on site
• Tailor-made to suit the local conditions and preferences of the company
• Practically oriented
• A “learning by doing” approach

Forest inventory
Participants are taught how to plan, control and co-ordinate the activities of the inventory in such a way that the felling and skidding crews can operate in the most productive, systematic and organised way. The course also focuses on efficient methods for monitoring and communication.

Felling
Participants are trained in improved felling techniques, such as directional felling and improved crosscutting techniques.
Safety and health aspects of working in the forest are also highlighted during the course.
A study by FORM demonstrated gains of 15 – 30 % of the timber volume, which is the result of improved quality and the reduction of volume lost by the implementation of these new felling techniques.

Extraction
Extraction is a complicated and cost-intensive operation that can inflict substantial damage to forests. The course will train staff and workers in the planning of skid trails and the practical implementation of efficient extraction techniques.
Studies have revealed that appropriate planning of the trails and rigid monitoring can significantly reduce the skidding distance and consequently the extraction costs and the damage to the forest.

Road engineering
Road engineering involves the planning, field layout, construction and maintenance of forest roads and subsidiary structures such as bridges and culverts. The course will cover all these aspects. Properly designed and constructed roads can strongly reduce construction costs, improve efficiency and safety of transport and minimise soil erosion and other damage to the environment.

Courses for forest managers: the key to success
Experience has shown that without the direct support of and monitoring by the management the training will not be implemented and the personnel revert to the old working practices. Therefore management assistance is the key to ensure that RIL will be implemented by all the employees. Fundamental elements of the assistance are:

• Instruction in the techniques taught to the personnel
• Monitoring
• Bonus systems

These elements will result in a monitoring system that can be applied by the forest manager to ensure the implementation of the RIL techniques.

For an overview of our RIL projects, please click here.