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International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)

ITTO5151st session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC-51) (Photo source: IISD)

Under the support of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA) was negotiated to provide an effective framework for cooperation and consultation between countries producing and consuming tropical timber, and promote and support research and development to improve forest management and wood utilization. It was adopted on 18 November 1983 and entered into force on 1 April 1985. It was renegotiated during 1993-1994, and 2003-2006. The ITTA was adopted in Geneva on 27 January 2006 and entered into force on 7 December 2011. It was built on the foundations of the previous agreement and focuses on the world tropical timber economy and the sustainable management of the resource base, simultaneously encouraging the timber trade and improving forest management.

The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), based in Yokohama Japan, was established by the ITTA in 1983. Included in its works is to discuss and develop policies on issues relating to international trade in, and utilization of, tropical timber and the sustainable management of its resource base. The ITTO also administers assistance for related projects.

The ITTO has 72 members, which are divided into two groups: producer countries (34 members) where the Philippines belongs and consumer countries (38 members) including the European Union. The governing body of the ITTO is the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC), which includes all members. The Council, which meets annually, is supported by four committees, which are open to all members and provide advice and assistance to the Council on issues for consideration and decision on: Economics, Statistics and Markets (CEM); Reforestation and Forest Management (CRF); Forest Industry (CFI); and Finance and Administration (CFA).

FMB is the focal agency in the Philippines authorized to submit proposals to ITTO for funding.
 
Focal Office:
Forest Management Bureau (FMB)
Date Ratified:
1986
Focal Persons:
FOR. RICARDO L. CALDERON
Director
DENR - Forest Management Bureau 
Tel. Nos. - (632) 928 9313 / 927 4788

FOR. FE C. OLIVEROS
Chief, Forest Policy Section, FPPKMD
DENR - Forest Management Bureau
Tel. Nos. - (632) 926 2141
Status / Updates:
In the 51st Session, priority is to elect a new Executive Director, as the current Executive Director retired from his office this year. Since 50th ITTC, the position of Executive Director (ED) has been open for election but until the 51st Session, the Council was not able to reach an agreement on the selection of a new ED despite attempts to reach consensus and two rounds of voting. In the meantime, they have placed an OIC ED from the Secretariat.

The Philippines was elected as the Chair of Credentials Committee during the 51st Session of ITTC.
Latest Activities:
51st Session of the International Tropical Timber Council and Associated Sessions of the Committees [November 16-21, 2015, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia] - Attended by DENR Regional Director Tamayo (XIII), Director Calderon, Mr. Alejandrino Sibucao Jr., and For. Ray Thomas Kabigting (FMB)
Sources / Relevant Links:
This Page was updated on Sunday, 10 January 2016 17:57
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