Local Bush, Global Charcoal for The Perfect BBQ
Sustainably Sourced, Premium Namibian Charcoal
Sustainability
We prioritize environmentally responsible practices, using FSC-certified charcoal to combat bush encroachment and enhance Namibia’s biodiversity.
Quality
Our commitment to excellence ensures that every batch of charcoal meets the highest standards, providing our customers with reliable, top-tier products.
Community Empowerment
We create job opportunities, especially for women, and contribute to Namibia’s economy by fostering long-term partnerships and investing in our workforce’s development.
Ensuring Environmental Sustainability
Charcoal production plays a crucial role in Namibia’s economy, but its sustainability depends on responsible sourcing and environmental management. Two key aspects of ethical production are obtaining FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accreditation, which ensures environmentally and socially responsible practices, and utilizing bush encroachment reduction as a means of sustainable resource management. Addressing both factors not only supports ecological balance but also enhances the long-term viability of the industry. The following sections will explore the importance of FSC certification and the role of charcoal production in controlling invasive bush species.
Combatting Bush Encroachment in Namibia
Bush encroachment is a significant challenge in Namibia and a major form of land degradation. Over 45 million hectares of once-open savannas are increasingly covered by shrubs and bushes, making this a continuously growing problem. Bush encroachment negatively impacts biodiversity, groundwater recharge, and land productivity. Dense bush thickets outcompete other vegetation, particularly grasses essential for livestock forage. As Namibia is a net exporter of natural beef, this trend poses a threat to the industry.
To restore degraded land, controlled bush thinning is implemented, creating both ecological and economic benefits. Harvested bush is selectively processed into various biomass products, including animal fodder, charcoal, biochar, building materials, and wood chips for renewable energy. This practice helps maintain biodiversity, improve animal production, and support groundwater recharge. Recognizing its macroeconomic advantages, the Government of Namibia has prioritized bush control, promoting rangeland restoration, value-added industries, rural employment, and renewable energy supply.
Forest Stewardship Council®
Charcoal production is an important component of environmental sustainability in Namibia. Charcoal producers utilises encroacher bush for the production of charcoal in a way that it is socially acceptable, environmentally friendly, politically conducive and economically viable. At “Makarra Bush Products cc” we only process FSC® charcoal. The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) operates globally and works to safeguard forests, the people and the environment. FSC® certifies the utilisation of forests to ensure the highest environmental and social standards. Our FSC® group scheme suppliers only harvest the invasive species in accordance with the FSC®-approved management plan as well as a forestry permit issued by the Directorate of Forestry, to ensure the process remains environmentally sustainable. “Makarra Bush Products cc” in partnership with CMO manages an FSC® group scheme for our charcoal producers.
Makarra Bush Products cc FSC® code: SGSCH-COC-011184
