News Excerpt:
The 59th International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) recently concluded with significant decisions on sustainable tropical forest management.
Details about the meeting
- The council concluded with five decisions, with the European Union expressing concern about the state of the world’s forests in the backdrop of climate change and biodiversity.
- The countries agreed to endorse eight projects related to sustainable forest management and related objectives.
- The session approved and adopted a budget of $7.1 million for the coming financial year 2024-25.
- The work programme for 2024-25 was adopted, which included a request to the executive director to collaborate closely with members of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other partners on implementation.
- The council approved a trial measure allowing ineligible members to submit project proposals and concept notes.
- Members who have fallen behind on their financial contributions and are ineligible will be allowed to submit one project and concept note for every two years of arrears paid.
About ITTC
- The IITC is the governing body of the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO), which aims to promote sustainable management and conservation of tropical forests.
- The ITTC meeting occurs at least once a year to discuss a wide-ranging agenda to promote sustainable tropical forest management and the trade of sustainably produced tropical timber.
International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)
- It works towards conserving tropical forests and expanding and diversifying international trade in tropical timber from sustainably managed and legally harvested forests.
- Functions of ITTO:
- Develop internationally agreed policy guidelines and norms to encourage sustainable forest management (SFM) and sustainable tropical timber industries and trade.
- Assists tropical member countries to adapt such guidelines and norms to local circumstances and to implement them in the field through projects and other activities.
- Collects, analyses and disseminates data on the production and trade of tropical timber.
- Promotes sustainable tropical timber supply chains.
- Helps develop capacity in tropical forestry.
