In an address to the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), ITTO (International Tropical Timber Organization) Executive Director Sheam Satkuru said sustainably managed tropical forests and wood production are crucial nature-based solutions.

“Timber is one of the most environmentally friendly materials we have,” she said. “Sustainable harvesting of forests is not deforestation, and the sustainable use of wood products increases global carbon storage.”

Ms Satkuru stressed the urgency of investing in sustainable tropical forest management as an imperative for the planet’s future and the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.

Besides, Dr Hwan Ok Ma represented ITTO at an event convened by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), “Climate Action Showcase: Beyond Carbon – Realizing Untapped Potential of Forests to Combat Climate Change”, which was also an event at the UNFCCC COP28.

Speaking at the event, Dr Ma introduced the Global Timber Index (GTI) and the Global Legal and Sustainable Timber Forum (GLSTF), both of which are outputs of collaborative activities between ITTO and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), and implemented by Secretariat of the Global Green Supply Chains Initiative (GGSC).

The original news on the official website of ITTO is as follows (or visit ITTO official website for the news):