59th Session of the International Tropical Timber Council

• 25 Nov 2023

Source: DTE

Why in News?

The 59^th session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC), the governing body of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), recently concluded with significant decisions shaping the future of sustainable tropical forest management and the trade of sustainably produced tropical timber.

What are the Key Outcomes of the 59^th session of the ITTC?

• The countries agreed to endorse eight projects related to sustainable forest management and related objectives.
• The session also approved and adopted a budget of USD 7.1 million for the coming financial year 2024-25.
• The council also approved a trial measure that will allow ineligible members to submit project proposals and concept notes.
  • Members who have fallen behind on their financial contributions and are thus ineligible will be allowed to submit one project and concept note for every two years of arrears paid.
• The Council also adopted the work programme for 2024-25, which emphasizes collaboration with the members of Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other partners for effective implementation.

What is the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)?

• About:
  • The ITTO is an intergovernmental organization promoting the sustainable management and conservation of tropical forests and the expansion and diversification of international trade in tropical timber from sustainably managed and legally harvested forests.
  • ITTO was established under the International Tropical Timber Agreement 1983 (ITTA 1983), negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
  • It is governed by ITTC, a group that meets at least once a year to discuss a wide-ranging agenda aimed at promoting sustainable tropical forest management(SFM) and the trade of sustainably produced tropical timber
• Members:
  • It has 75 countries, including India.
  • Its members manage about 80% of the world's tropical forests and are responsible for 90% of the global tropical timber trade.
• Functions:
  • ITTO develops internationally agreed policy guidelines and norms to encourage 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, analyzes and disseminates data on the production and trade of tropical timber. Promotes sustainable tropical timber supply chains.
• Headquarters: Yokohama, Japan.