Context:
Recently, the 59th International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) concluded on November 17, 2023, with major decisions.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- About the International Tropical Timber Council
- Key Facts about the International Tropical Timber Organisation
About the International Tropical Timber Council:
- Affiliation: Governing body of the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO).
- Purpose: Convenes annually to discuss a comprehensive agenda focusing on sustainable tropical forest management and promoting the trade of sustainably produced tropical timber.
Major Decisions in the 59th ITTC Session:
- Project Endorsements: Agreement to endorse eight projects related to sustainable forest management and associated objectives.
- Budget Approval: Adoption of a budget amounting to $7.1 million for the upcoming financial year 2024-25.
- Trial Measure: Approval of a trial measure allowing ineligible members to submit project proposals and concept notes. Ineligible members can submit one project and concept note for every two years of arrears paid.
Key Facts about the International Tropical Timber Organisation:
- Establishment: Formed under the International Tropical Timber Agreement 1983 (ITTA 1983), negotiated under the UN Conference on Trade and Development.
- Objectives: Promotes sustainable management and conservation of tropical forests, along with expanding and diversifying international trade in tropical timber from sustainably managed and legally harvested forests.
- Funding Facilitation: Facilitates funding for forestry projects in tropical timber-producing countries, funded by voluntary contributions from governments.
- Membership: 75 countries, including India, collectively managing about 80 percent of the world’s tropical forests and responsible for 90 percent of the global tropical timber trade.
- Headquarters: Yokohama, Japan.
-Source: Down To Earth
