Understanding ITTO: Unraveling the Core Functions.

The 59th session of the International Tropical Timber Council recently convened in Pattaya, Thailand, marking a pivotal gathering for the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO). This governing body assembles annually to deliberate on a diverse agenda with a central focus on advancing sustainable tropical forest management and facilitating the trade of sustainably sourced tropical timber.

As the 60th Session approaches, scheduled for December 2024 in Yokohama, Japan, it underscores the ongoing commitment of the ITTO to address critical issues in the tropical forest sector and international trade dynamics. Founded in 1983 under the International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA, 1983), the ITTO remains a treaty-based intergovernmental organization headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. After the expiration of the initial agreement, the organization continued its mission under the ITTA, 1994, and currently operates under the ITTA, 2006.

The ITTO has a dedicated focus on promoting sustainable management and conservation of tropical forests, along with expanding and diversifying international trade in tropical timber from sustainably managed and legally harvested forests. With 75 members, including 37 “producer” countries and 38 “consumer” countries, the ITTO’s membership encompasses about 90% of the global tropical timber trade and over 80% of the world’s tropical forests.

Among its key functions, the ITTO develops internationally agreed policy guidelines and norms for sustainable forest management (SFM) and the tropical timber industry. It actively supports member countries in adapting and implementing these guidelines through various projects and activities. The organization also plays a vital role in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data on the production and trade of tropical timber, promoting sustainable supply chains, and building capacity in tropical forestry.

India, a founding member of ITTO, aligns itself with the group of producer member countries. The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in India serves as the nodal ministry for ITTO-related matters. The collective efforts of ITTO’s diverse membership contribute significantly to shaping policies, fostering sustainable practices, and maintaining a balance between environmental conservation and responsible resource utilization.