The 59th session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC), under the patronage of International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), made significant decisions to shape the future of sustainable tropical forest management and the trade of sustainably produced tropical timber. The wrap-up from this meeting could bring a dynamic shift to how we manage and trade tropical timber in the future.
Key Outcomes Of The ITTC’s 59th Session
At the conclusion of the conference, eight projects related to sustainable forest management and other related objectives were given endorsement by the countries in attendance. Significantly, a budget of USD 7.1 million was approved and adopted for the upcoming financial year of 2024-25.
One of the most eye-catching decisions taken was the approval of a trial measure allowing ineligible members to submit project proposals and concept notes. This measure is designed to engage those who have fallen behind on their financial contributions but want to recommit. These members will be allowed to make one project and concept note submission for each two years of arrears they pay off.
Finally, the session saw the adoption of a work programme for 2024-25. The programme underscores the importance of collaboration with members of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other partners in achieving effective implementation.
About the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)
The ITTO is an intergovernmental organization tasked with promoting sustainable management and conservation of tropical forests. Its aim extends to enhancing and diversifying international trade in tropical timber retrieved sustainably from legally harvested forests.
Taking its roots in the International Tropical Timber Agreement 1983(ITTA 1983), which was negotiated at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, ITTO operates under the governance of the ITTC. This group convenes at least once a year to explore an expansive agenda targeted at advocating for sustainable tropical forest management (SFM) and trading sustainably produced tropical timber.
Members and Functioning of ITTO
The ITTO is supported by 75 countries, including India. These members collectively manage approximately 80% of the world’s tropical forests, making them accountable for around 90% of the international tropical timber trade.
The prime functions of ITTO are to develop internationally agreed policy guidelines and standards to support SFM and sustainable tropical timber industries and trade. In assisting tropical member nations, ITTO helps localize these guidelines and norms to fit their specific circumstances and facilitates their field implementation through several projects and initiatives. In addition, ITTO collects, analyzes, and disseminates data on the production and trade of tropical timber, and also promotes sustainable tropical timber supply chains. The organization’s headquarters is based in Yokohama, Japan.