🌱 CCPN and BFConsult: an environmental commitment taking root
From the trees planted in 2024 to a further planting planned before the end of 2026, the partnership between the Consular Corps of the Province of Namur and BFConsult continues to grow. A visit to the site provides an opportunity to report on this initiative, launched as part of The Economic Diplomacy Day.
The connections made at The Economic Diplomacy Day also lead to practical action on the ground. In December 2024, the Consular Corps of the Province of Namur announced the planting of 120 trees in Sainte-Ode, in the Belgian province of Luxembourg. Made possible through its partnership with BFConsult, the planting formed part of the carbon offsetting initiative associated with the Ambassador’s Rally 2024.
Returning to see these young trees, observing their growth and continuing discussions with the partner supporting the project marks a further step in this commitment.
An environmental commitment sustained through action on the ground
Magali Dugardin, President of the CCPN, and Frédéric Lernoux, responsible for academic relations, visited the site to follow up on the planting initiative and the partnership with BFConsult.
The sign now installed on the site records the origins of the initiative and recognises those who made it possible. Nearby, the young trees give this commitment a visible place in the landscape.
This visit reflects the environmental commitment of the CCPN and BFConsult: supporting the planting beyond its initial implementation, following its progress and sharing updates with embassies, partners and participants in The Economic Diplomacy Day.
As the recent fires in Belgium’s High Fens have reminded us of the vulnerability of our natural environments, this long-term approach takes on particular significance. Planting, caring for and monitoring trees are all part of a commitment that develops over time.
BFConsult: an essential partner in delivering the project
The planting was made possible by BFConsult, which provides the financial and operational support. The CCPN contributes its profile, its network and the visibility of The Economic Diplomacy Day.
These complementary contributions turn relationships built around the event into practical action, combining the Consular Corps’ ability to bring people together with the expertise of a partner specialising in sustainable natural resource management.
For ten years, BFConsult has supported public and private partners across Africa, Latin America and Europe. The consultancy specialises in the sustainable management, traceability and value enhancement of natural resources. It works across the timber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, beef and cashew sectors.
Its work has developed through close collaboration on the ground with public authorities and businesses in these sectors, strengthening the legality and transparency of forest and agricultural supply chains. Its teams design traceability systems, conduct field verification and develop digital tools tailored to their partners’ operational needs.
The issues surrounding the EU Deforestation Regulation and trade relations between the European Union and Mercosur highlight the relevance of this expertise for businesses and their institutional counterparts.
For the Consular Corps, this partnership connects local action in Wallonia with issues central to international trade: the origin of resources, responsible supply chains and cooperation between public and private stakeholders.
Further tree planting planned before the end of 2026
The collaboration will continue with a further planting linked to the 2025 edition of The Economic Diplomacy Day, planned with BFConsult before the end of 2026.
The timetable will be confirmed with the partner, taking suitable planting conditions into account. As with the first planting presented in December 2024, the CCPN will share photographs and updates on its progress.
The Consular Corps of the Province of Namur thanks BFConsult for its contribution and expertise. Through this partnership, it aims to continue an initiative that brings together diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation and care for the local environment.
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