Page 2

INTERNATIONAL TROPICALTIMBER COUNCIL

Distr.
GENERAL
ITTC(LIX)/14
17 November 2023
Original: ENGLISH

FIFTY-NINTH SESSION
13-17 November 2023
Pattaya, Thailand

DECISION 3(LIX)
ITTO BIENNIAL WORK PROGRAMME FOR THE YEARS 2024-2025
The International Tropical Timber Council,
Appreciating the work of the Secretariat in liaising with Members, the Trade Advisory Group (TAG) andthe Civil Society Advisory Group (CSAG) in preparing its proposal to Council on the Biennial Work Programme
for the years 2024-2025;
Noting that activities listed in the Annex to this Decision are derived from the following: (a) ITTA, 2006;(b) the ITTO Strategic Action Plan 2022-2026; (c) the four ITTO Committee Reports to the Fifty-ninth Sessionof Council; and (d) previous Council Decisions;
Decides to:
1.

Adopt the Biennial Work Programme (BWP) for the years 2024-2025 as contained in the Annex
to this Decision;

2.

Authorize the Executive Director to seek voluntary contributions from Member Countries andother funding sources to finance implementation of the activities listed in the Annex;

3.

Request the Executive Director to implement and/or facilitate the implementation of activities in
the approved BWP for the years 2024-2025, as contained in the Annex;

4.

Request the Executive Director, as of the date of this Decision, to ensure that future activities tobe funded outside the core budget are formulated as Concept Notes and included in the database,or as Council Decisions, in order to assess Member priorities and donor interest and financing,prior to being incorporated into the BWP;

5.

Request the Secretariat to continue to indicate in the BWP how each activity aligns with theProgrammatic Line(s); and6.

Request the Executive Director to continue close collaboration with members of the CPF andother international partners in implementing the BWP for the years 2024-2025;

7.

Request the Executive Director to report to Council on the progress in implementing the BWP for
the years 2024-2025 during the Sixtieth and Sixty-first Sessions of the Council.

ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 2ANNEX
SUMMARY OF THE BIENNIAL WORK PROGRAMME FOR 2024-2025
Part 1 – TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRING FINANCINGGROUP 1 –FIELD ORIENTED ACTIVITIES WITH ENGAGEMENT OF/WORK IN MEMBER COUNTRIESNo.
Activity
Status1
Building legal and sustainable forest product supply chainsongoing2
Strengthening Participation of the Private Sector in the Work of ITTO
ongoing
Promoting quality timber production from smallholder and community-established3
ongoing
plantations
4
Enhance cooperation between ITTO and CITES
ongoing5
Criteria and indicators workshops
ongoing
6
Statistical capacity building workshops
ongoing7
Prevention and management of fire in tropical timber-producing forests
ongoing
GROUP 2 – NORMATIVE WORK ON POLICY GUIDELINES OR OTHER STRATEGIC WORKNo.
Activitya) Operationalizing ITTO Policy guidelines on gender equality and empowering womenb) Disseminating the ITTO Guidelines for Forest Landscape Restoration in the Tropics
8c) Support for women’s groups with gender empowerment and forest landscaperestoration in Togo

Statusongoingongoingongoing

GROUP 3 – COLLABORATIVE WORK/MEETINGS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/INITIATIVESNo.
Activity
Status9Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in tropical timber production forests
ongoing
10
Cooperation and consultation with the CPF, UNFF and others
ongoing11
Collaboration on criteria and indicators for SFM
ongoing
GROUP 4 – COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH RELATED WORKNo.
Activity
12
ITTO communication strategy
13
ITTO Tropical Forest Update (TFU)a) Communications activities (website, reports, PR, etc.)
14b) Outreach activities (booths and/or side events at relevant international fora)c) Translation of the ITTO website and relevant PR materials into Japanese

Statusongoingongoingongoingongoingongoing

GROUP 5 – ANALYTICAL, STATISTICAL, AND OTHER RECURRING WORKNo.
Activity
15
Trade (TAG) and Civil Society (CSAG) Advisory Group involvement
16
ITTO Annual Market Discussion
17
Expert Panel for Technical Appraisal of Project Proposals
18
ITTO Fellowship Programme
19
ITTO Market Information Service (MIS)
20
Enhancement of statistical work and databases on statistics
21
Biennial review and assessment of the world timber situation

Statusongoingongoingongoingongoingongoingongoingongoing

Part 2 - ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (NO FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS)

ITTC(LIX)/14
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Reference Tables
ITTO SAP Strategic Priorities (SP)SP 1
Governance and investment
SP 2
Economies and tropical timber trade
SP 3
Resilience, restoration and conservation
SP 4
Statistics and information
Crosscutting Strategy
1Help build capacity in member countries to advance the SAP 2022-2026
2
Enhance ITTO’s operational effectiveness3
Promote integration of the tropical forest sector in COVID-19 recovery plans, measures and investments
4
Promote gender equality and the empowerment of women
UNSPF Global Forest Goals (GFG)
GFG 1
Reverse the loss of forest cover worldwide through sustainable forest management, including protection, restoration, afforestation and reforestation,and increase efforts to prevent forest degradation and enhance the contribution of forests to climate change
GFG 2
Enhance forest-based economic, social and environmental benefits, including by improving the livelihoods of forest-dependent people
GFG 3
Increase significantly the area of protected forests worldwide and other areas of sustainably managed forests, as well as the proportion of forest
products from sustainably managed forests
GFG 4
Mobilize significantly increased, new and additional financial resources from all sources for the implementation of sustainable forest management andstrengthen scientific, technical and technological cooperation and partnerships
GFG 5
Promote sustainable governance frameworks to implement sustainable forest management, including through the United Nations forest instrument,
and enhance the contribution of forests to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
GFG 6
Enhance cooperation, coordination, coherence and synergies on forest-related issues at all levels, including within the United Nations system andacross CPF member organizations, as well as across sectors and relevant stakeholders
ITTO Programme Lines (PL)PL 1
Legal and Sustainable Supply Chains (LSSC)
PL 2Conservation of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
PL 3
Forest Landscape Restoration and Resilient Livelihoods
PL 4Emerging Issues and Innovation

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Part 1 – TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRING FINANCINGGROUP 1 – FIELD ORIENTED ACTIVITIES WITH ENGAGEMENT OF/WORK IN MEMBER COUNTRIES

Activity
1. Building legal
and sustainable
forest productsupply chains

Implementation Approach and Cost
Support development of innovative solutions to providing assurances of legality andsustainability, including developing/implementing sustainable forest management plansand developing/implementing sustainable supply chains including timber tracking
systems and other tools. Under the 2018-20 BWP, ITTO developed a programme on
legal and sustainable supply chains (LSSC) for tropical wood and forest products andworked with relevant partners to increase assurance of legality and sustainability
through the establishment of a supply chain platform that links legal and sustainable
forest products to markets. Under the BWP for 2021-2022 extended into 2023, two subactivities under this Activity were approved and fully funded by the Trade andInvestment Promotion Institute(IPIM) of Macao SAR, China, namely “Supporting theEstablishment and Operation of the Global Timber Index Platform for Building Legal andSustainable Forest Products Supply Chains” and “Supporting Pilot Collaborative
Operation of the Blockchain-based Timber Traceability System (BTTS) for Building
Legal and Sustainable Forest Products Supply Chains”. Using remaining funds underthe 2021-2023 BWP, the work of building the LSSC-GGSC platform and further
developing the Timber Trade Portal (TTP) website as well as other events and activities
will continue into 2024-2025. The improvement of the Global Timber Index (GTI)
Platform to provide multi-dimensional service(Phase II&III) and establishing and testinga simulation platform for cross-border timber traceability based on the blockchain
technology(Phase II&III) will be funded by voluntary contributions from IPIM, Macao.

Estimated cost:
US$3,134,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024-US$100,000 (LSSC-GGSC platform & TTP)
Year 2025-US$100,000 (LSSC-GGSC platform & TTP)
Voluntary Contributions from IPIM, Macao
Year 2024–US$1,467,000 (for GTI & Blockchain)
Year 2025–US$1,467,000 (for GTI & Blockchain)

Activity Targets• Capacity building for SFM
and/or sustainable supply
chains developed for up
to 10 tropical forest
operators and otherindustrial sector
representatives/entities
with• Increased trade insustainable/legally
verified timber from these
forest concessions/private sector entities

Relevance
ITTA/ITTC:
Articles 1(d), (k),(n), (o)ITTO SAP:
SP1, SP2UNSPF:
GFG2, GFG5
PL:
PL 1

Body
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CEMITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity
2. Strengthening
participation of
the private
sector in thework of ITTO:
Industry-led
legality
compliance/
due diligence
training

3. Promoting
quality timber
production fromsmallholder andlocal
communityestablishedplantations

Implementation Approach and Cost
ITTO will continue working with the Trade Advisory Group and other partners such as
FAO, as well as other major and relevant international and regional organizations (IOs),
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private sector associations that are
working in this area to pilot and eventually scale up capacity on legality compliance/due
diligence. The training model will be based on one that has proven successful –delivered by industry actors, who understand the challenges, needs and vocabulary ofbusinesses and industry in producer countries who are involved in international trade.
Training modules were developed and delivered in Colombia, Guatemala and Peru
under the 2018-20 and 2021-2023 BWPs; remaining funds pledged to those activities
will be used to extend training to an additional country in 2024-25. If additional funds
are pledged under this BWP, this work will be extended to other countries/regions andpossibly to broaden the scope to consider legality/due diligence aspects associated with
forest climate projects/finance.
Estimated cost:
US$100,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024–US$50,000
Year 2025–US$50,000
This Activity, continuing work started under the previous BWP, aims to significantly
improve the production of quality timber from smallholder and local
community-established plantations of teak and other valuable species in Asia-Pacificand West Africa. It involves promoting policies and programs to ensure the availabilityof high-quality planting material, the adoption of better silvicultural practices, access tofinancing to promote longer rotations, value addition and improved timber legality. Key
activities include promoting financial schemes that support high-quality teak production
with longer rotations and facilitating access to voluntary carbon markets. Tapping into
the carbon credit markets will provide additional incentives and contribute to the global
effort for climate change mitigation. It will also encourage regional and international
cooperation to support the sustainable development of smallholder plantations. The
German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has already committed tofunding this Activity over the period 2024-2026.
Estimated cost:
Funding sources:

US$1,413,449
Voluntary contributions from BMEL, Germany
Year 2024–US$664,071
Year 2025/26–US$749,378

Activity Targets
Relevance
ITTA/ITTC• Up to an additional five
CEM/CFI (L)/4target countries assistedwith pilot trainings held for Report item 9 (IV)and (v); Annex C
private sector• Technical Assistance
ITTO SAP:
provided to target
countries by international SP2
experts / organizations
UNSPF:
GFG-6

Body
Council/
CEM, CFI

PL:
PL 1• Policies and programs topromote quality timbe
production fromsmallholder plantations
established in target
countries• Financial schemes
developed for highquality teak production
and voluntary carbon
markets accessed.
• Regional andinternational cooperation
enhanced for sustainable
smallholder plantation
development

ITTA/ITTC:
Articles 1(a), (c),(d), (f), (h), (i), (j),(k), (l), (m), (r)ITTO SAP:
SP1, SP2, SP4
UNSPF:
GFG2, GFG6
PL:
PL 1, PL 3

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Activity
4. Enhancecooperation
between ITTO
and CITES

5. Monitor
progress in theapplication of
criteria andindicators forsustainable
forestmanagement

Implementation Approach and Cost
Continue to assist Members to implement CITES listings of timber species. Pursuant
to Decision 5(XLVI) on “Multi-Donor Mechanism to Facilitate Enhanced Cooperation
between ITTO and CITES”, ITTO successfully completed implementation of a second
grant of approximately US$6,200,000 (EUR5,000,000) from the European Union(through the European Commission) in 2016. Matching contributions from other donorsof over US$3,000,000 were received by ITTO during the four-year EU/EC grant period.
The EU/EC in 2016 decided to provide further funding for work on CITES-listed tree
species directly to the CITES Secretariat through its CITES Tree Species Program,which completed activities in 2022. This activity will continue CITES-related work using
funds pledged to similar activities under previous BWPs. Since the number of tropicaltree species being listed in CITES Appendices continues to grow, ITTO donors areencouraged to provide additional funds for ITTO’s CITES-related work through thisactivity to enable ITTO to continue collaborating with the CITES Secretariat andassisting member countries to implement CITES listings of timber species.
Estimated cost:
US$200,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024–US$100,000
Year 2025–US$100,000
Criteria and indicators training workshops have been facilitated by activities underprevious BWPs and this work will continue in 2024-25. Using remaining funds fromprevious BWP activities, this activity will continue and expand on previous work by
convening a C&I workshop in a producer member country. If additional funds are madeavailable, this work (which will promote the new ITTO criteria and indicators approvedin 2016 and the revised African principles, criteria and indicators approved in 2022 withfocus on new member countries) will be extended to provide for 2 regional workshops
on C&I. Capacity building will incorporate related topics such as auditing, certification,international reporting requirements, etc. into the workshops.
Estimated cost:
US$150,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024–US$75,000
Year 2025–US$75,000

Activity Targets• Up to three countries withprojects implemented to
improve CITES
implementation for listed
tree species• Participation of ITTO
Secretariat in relevant
CITES meetings/
activities• Reduced number of tradesuspensions of CITES
listed timber species

Relevance
ITTA/ITTC:
Article 15;
Decisions 3(XVI),
7(XXXIV), 2(XXXVII),
5(XLVI)

Body
Council

ITTO SAP:
SP2, SP3UNSPF:
GFG1, GFG2,
GFG5, GFG6
PL:
PL 1, PL 2

• Up to two regional C&I
training workshops
convened• International
collaboration on C&I for
SFM enhanced

ITTA/ITTC:
Decisions 5(XXX),
9(XXX), 4(XXXIV)
ITTO SAP:SP1UNSPF:
GFG5, GFG6
PL:
PL 1

Council/ CRF

ITTC(LIX)/14
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6. Statistical
capacitybuilding
workshops

This activity (which continues work funded under previous BWPs) will provide assistance(in liaison with FAO and other partners) to member countries to strengthen their statistics
collection and enhance reporting.
Using remaining funds from previous BWPs, a regional workshop for Central America is
to be organized in early 2024 in Mexico. If additional funds are made available,
workshops in the other two tropical regions will be supported in 2024-25.
Estimated cost:
US$100,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024–US$50,000
Year 2025–US$50,000

7. Prevention andmanagement offire in tropicaltimberproducingforests

Estimated cost:
US$100,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024–US$30,000
Year 2025–US$70,000

Total

2024
US$
NIL
US$ 405,000
US$ 405,000

2025
US$
NIL
US$ 445,000
US$ 445,000

ITTA/ITTC:
Article 28(5)CEM

ITTO SAP:SP4UNSPF:
GFG6
PL:
PL 1

The Activity (which continues work funded under previous BWPs) aims to review andanalyze the technical information and knowledge gained from the implementation of
successfully completed ITTO projects as well as the development of Integrated Fire
Management (IFM) framework, which promote ecosystem-based solutions, stakeholder
engagement, inclusion, prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. This analysis
includes the Landscape Fire Governance Framework, approved in May 2023 at the 8thInternational Wildland Fire Conference in Porto, Portugal. Based on the outcome of thisanalysis, the Activity will update and revise the ITTO Guidelines on Fire Management inTropical Forests (1997) to provide a base for policy makers and managers at various
levels to develop programs and projects in which the specific national, socio-economic,
and naturally occurring problems related to fire in tropical natural and planted forests.
Partners in this analysis and revision of the ITTO Fire Guidelines include the Global Fire
Monitoring Center (GFMC), which supports various regional forest fire networks in thetropics.

Subtotals Group 1
Core budget
Voluntary Contributions sought

Up to four country-level
and/or regional
workshops conducted

Biennium Total
US$NIL
US$ 850,000
US$ 850,000• An in-depth analysis of ITTA/ITTC:
the technical information Article 1(m);Decisionand knowledge of the
6(XXXIII)
integrated fire
management framework
ITTO SAP:
conducted• ITTO Guidelines on Fire SP4
Management in Tropical
Forests (1997) revised UNSPF:
GFG1, GFG6
with the support ofpartners
PL:
PL 2, PL 4

CRF

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GROUP 2 – NORMATIVE WORK ON POLICY GUIDELINES OR OTHER STRATEGIC WORK

Activity
8. Developing andoperationalizing
ITTO’s policy
guidelines tomembers(a)

Implementation Approach and Cost
Operationalizing the ITTO Policy Guidelines on Gender Equality and Empowering
Women

This activity will facilitate operationalization of the ITTO Policy Guidelines on Gender
Equality and Empowering Women Guidelines across all ITTO activities and initiatives.
Funding will contribute to capacity building, training, an exploratory study on the role ofwomen in forestry/industry and building a network of gender experts with ITTO’s
collaborative partners.
Estimated cost:
US$185,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024–US$90,000
Year 2025–US$95,000(b) Disseminating the ITTO Guidelines for Forest Landscape Restoration in the
Tropics
This activity aims to facilitate the production of outreach and communication materials to
promote the dissemination of the ITTO Guidelines for Forest Landscape Restoration in
the Tropics (2020). It also involves participation in key international FLR events and theorganization of three regional capacity building workshops in a hybrid format, in each of
the three tropical regions.
Estimated cost:
US$180,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024: US$60,000
Year 2025: US$120,000

Activity Targets
Gender guidelines fully
implemented in all of
ITTO’s operations

Relevance
ITTA/ITTC:
Decision 2(L)Body
Council

ITTO SAP:
SP1-6
UNSPF:GFG6
PL:
Crosscutting

Dissemination of the
newly adopted
guidelines in ITTO
producing member
countries

ITTA/ITTC:
Decision 7(LV)
ITTO SAP:SP4UNSPF:
GFG1, GFG6
PL:
PL 2, PL 3

CRF

ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 9(c)Support for women’s groups with gender empowerment and forest landscaperestoration in Togo

This Activity is funded to contribute to and operationalize the ITTO Policy Guidelines on
Gender Equality and Empowering Women (GEEW) and the ITTO Guidelines for Forest
Landscape Restoration in the Tropics (FLR). This activity reflects conformity with someelements under Decision 8(LV) and fits well under the pilot phase of the Programmatic
Approach of the new financing architecture Third Programme Line (PL3) titled “Forest
Landscape Restoration and Resilient Livelihoods”. Additional funds have been mobilized
for 2024, with the aim to consolidate and sustain the ground achievements of
REFACOF-Togo’s women groups realized during the implementation of the Phase 1 andPhase 2 of PP-A/56-341, in Togo’s Blitta and Lacs Prefectures.
Estimated cost:
US$180,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024: US$90,000
Year 2025: US$90,000
Subtotals Group 2Core budget
Voluntary Contributions sought

Total

2024
US$
NIL
US$ 240,000
US$ 240,000

2025
US$
NIL
US$ 305,000
US$ 305,000

Biennium Total
US$NIL
US$ 545,000
US$ 545,000

Putting into practices two
ITTO Guidelines (GEEW
and FLR)

ITTA/ITTC:
Decision 2(L)ITTO SAP:
SP2, SP-4
UNSPF:
GFG1, GFG2
PL:
PL 3

CRF

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GROUP 3 – COLLABORATIVE WORK/MEETINGS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/INITIATIVES

Activity
9. Conservationand sustainable
use ofbiodiversity intropical timber
production
forests

Implementation Approach and Cost
In line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted during CBD
COP 15 in December 2022, this activity will promote the conservation and sustainable
use of biodiversity in tropical timber production forests through the following actions:• Facilitate the engagement of the ITTO Secretariat in the Partnerships for Targets 2 &3 and the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People to support theachievements of forest-related goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global
Biodiversity Framework.
• Assist the participation of selected ITTO biodiversity project team members in CBD
COP 16 in 2024 with the organization of a joint side event with CBD to share ITTO
experiences and insights in relevant international events.
• Support the implementation of the ITTO-CBD Collaborative Initiative Programme forthe years 2024-2025. This support includes the organization of three regional
capacity building workshops and dissemination of their outcomes at international
biodiversity events.
Estimated cost:
Expected funding sources:

10. Cooperationand consultation
with the CPF,
UNFF andothersActivity Targets
Relevance• Participation of the ITTO ITTA/ITTC:
Article 1(m), (r);Secretariat in theDecisionTargets 2 & 3
6(XLIV)
Partnership of theKunming-Montreal
ITTO SAP:
Global Biodiversity
SP3
Framework• Participation of ITTO
experts in CBD COP 16 UNSPF:
GFG3, GFG4
supported with a joint
ITTO/CBD side eventPL:• Three regionalPL
2, PL 3workshops organized incollaboration with the
CBD

Body
Council/
CRF

ITTA/ITTC:
Article 15;
Decision 7(XXX)

Council

US$200,000
Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024–US$100,000
Year 2025–US$100,000

Promoting and integrating the role of productive forest and trade in major global
processes (UNFF, CPF, UNFCCC, UNCCD, CBD, UN Environment, and UNCTAD etc.)
for achieving SDG and Global Forest Goals through sustainable forest management andlegal and sustainable supply chains.
Estimated cost:
US$150,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024–US$75,000
Year 2025–US$75,000• Participation of ITTO in
UNFF19 in 2024 andUNFF 20 in 2025; up to
four CPF meetings in
2024 and 2025
• Contributions to up to
three CPF joint
initiatives in 2024 and2025

ITTO SAP:SP6UNSPF:GFG6
PL:
Crosscutting

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Activity
11. Collaboration on
criteria andindicators for
SFM

Implementation Approach and Cost
This work has been facilitated by similar activities under previous BWPs and willcontinue in 2024-25. Remaining funds from previous activities together with any newpledges will continue and expand on the work undertaken to date.
Funds will be used to allow the Secretariat to participate in international C&I related
meetings/discussions/initiatives, including the CPF Task Force on Streamlining Forest
Reporting, initiatives to take advantage of synergies between ITTO and FAO forest
reporting (FRA including the Collaborative Forest Resources Questionnaire) andrelevant meetings of other C&I processes.
Estimated cost:
Expected funding sources:

Subtotals Group 3Core budget
Voluntary Contributions sought

Total

US$50,000
Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024–US$25,000
Year 2025–US$25,000
2024
US$
NIL
US$ 200,000
US$ 200,000

2025
US$
NIL
US$ 200,000
US$ 200,000

Activity Targets• Relevant meetings
attended• collaboration with FAO
FRA enhanced

Relevance
ITTA/ITTC:
Decisions 3(XXVI),
5(XXX), 9(XXX),
4(XXXIV)
ITTO SAP:SP1UNSPF:
GFG5, GFG6
PL:Crosscutting

Biennium Total
US$NIL
US$ 400,000
US$ 400,000

Body
Council/CRF

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GROUP 4 – COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH-RELATED WORK

Activity
12. ITTO
communication
strategy

13. ITTO Tropical
Forest Update(TFU)

Implementation Approach and Cost
Implement various elements of the ITTO communication strategy presented to theCouncil at its 57th session.
Estimated cost:
US$ 340,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary contributions
Year 2024–US$170,000
Year 2025–US$170,000

Regular work.
Estimated cost:
US$390,000
Expected funding sources: Core Operational Costs
Year 2024–US$195,000
Year 2025–US$195,000

Activity Targets• Actions aimed atenhancing the branding
and outreach of ITTO,
elevating its role in theforest dialogue andproviding essential
thought leadership on
policies and practices
for sustainable
development through
SFM

Relevance
ITTA/ITTC:
Article 1• Up to four TFU issues
per year published inthree ITTO working
languages

ITTA/ITTC:
ITTA, 2006,
Articles 27, 28

Body
Council

ITTO SAP:
Crosscutting
strategy 2
UNSPF:GFG6
PL:
Crosscutting

ITTO SAP:
Crosscutting
strategy 2
UNSPF:GFG6
PL:
Crosscutting

CouncilITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity
14. Public relations,education andoutreach

Implementation Approach and Cost
Regular work. Continue to ensure that ITTO reaches a wide audience byconducting:(a) Communication activities: Undertaking regular communication and outreachactivities including, inter alia, managing the ITTO website (e.g. postings, andimprovements in functionality and appearance); publishing and disseminating
ITTO reports and publications (e.g. annual reports, project and activity reports,
newsletters, TFU articles, news stories and events); producing and disseminating
public relations materials (e.g. brochures, calendars, infographics, pamphlets,
posters, videos and photographic images) to convey the work of the Organization;and other ad hoc initiatives, including in collaboration with other partners.
Estimated cost:
US$450,000
Expected funding sources: Core Operational Costs
Year 2024–US$225,000
Year 2025–US$225,000(b)Outreach activities (booths and/or side events at relevant international fora):
Exhibiting the work of ITTO at relevant international events during the biennium[e.g. IUFRO World Congress; CBD, CITES and UNFCCC COPs; sessions of
UNFF; COFO’s], and other fora not covered under other BWP activities.

Estimated cost:
US$180,000
Expected funding sources: Core Operational Costs
Year 2024–US$90,000
Year 2025–US$90,000

Activity Targets• Regular website andsocial media posts on
the work of theOrganization• Up to two new policy/
technical series
documents publishedand disseminated• Up to 8 TFU issues
widely distributed• Up to 10 issues of
Tropical Forest News
newsletter widelydistributed• New videos, posters,
and pamphlets
published• Two annual reports inthree languages
published• Photo databaseenhanced
Exhibiting the work of
ITTO at up to fiveinternational fora

Relevance
ITTA/ITTC:
Article 1

Body
Council

ITTO SAP:
Crosscutting
strategy 2
UNSPF:GFG6
PL:
Crosscutting

Same as above

CouncilITTC(LIX)/14
Page 14(c)Translation of the ITTO website and relevant public relations materials into
Japanese.

Estimated cost:
US$50,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary contributions
Year 2024–US$25,000
Year 2025–US$25,000
Subtotals Group 4Core budget
Voluntary Contributions sought

Total

2024
US$ 510,000
US$ 195,000
US$ 705,000

2025
US$ 510,000
US$ 195,000
US$ 705,000

Biennium Total
US$ 1,020,000
US$ 390,000
US$ 1,410,000

Comprehensive
Japanese language
coverage of ITTO’s workon the ITTO website andother media

Same as above

CouncilITTC(LIX)/14
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GROUP 5 – ANALYTICAL, STATISTICAL AND OTHER RECURRING WORK

Activity
15. Trade (TAG) and
Civil Society(CSAG) Advisory
Group involvement

Implementation Approach and Cost
Regular work. Encourage support for the participation of TAG and CSAG membersin Council Sessions.
Estimated cost:
US$80,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024–US$40,000
Year 2025–US$40,000

Activity Targets
At least four
representatives from
TAG and CSAG assisted
to participate in the
Sessions of the Council
in 2024 and 2025

Relevance
ITTA/ITTC:
Decisions 9(XXVIII),
2(XXXII)

Body
Council

ITTO SAP:SP6UNSPF:GFG6
PL:NA

16. ITTO Annual
Market Discussion

Regular work. The themes for the Annual Market Discussions will be determined at
the Council Sessions immediately preceding the discussions.
Estimated cost:
US$100,000
Expected funding sources: Core Operational Costs
Year 2024–US$50,000
Year 2025–US$50,000

ITTO Annual Market
Discussions convened in
2024 and 2025

ITTA/ITTC:
Article 1(e), (h)JointCommittees

ITTO SAP:SP4UNSPF:GFG6
PL:NA

17. Expert Panel for
Technical Appraisalof Project
Proposals

Regular work. Convene the meetings of the Expert Panel.
Estimated cost:
US$220,000
Expected funding sources: Core Operational Costs
Year 2024–US$110,000
Year 2025–US$110,000

Meetings of the Expert
Panel convened in 2024
and 2025

ITTA/ITTC:
Article 26; Decisions
6(IX), 2(X), 7(XXI),
7(XXII)
ITTO SAP:
SP1-SP6
UNSPF:
GFG1-GFG6
PL:Crosscutting

Council andCommittees

ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 16
Activity
18. ITTO Fellowship
Programme

Implementation Approach and Cost
Regular work. The objective of the Fellowship Programme is to develop humanresources and enhance professional expertise in member countries in tropicalforestry and related disciplines, with a view to promoting sustainable management of
tropical forests, efficient utilization and processing of tropical timber, and better
economic information on the international trade in tropical timber.

Activity Targets• 30-40 fellowships
awarded in 2024 and2025• Fellowship alumni
network maintained

Regular work.
Estimated cost:
US$500,000
Expected funding sources: Core Operational Costs
Year 2024–US$250,000
Year 2025–US$250,000

Body
Council

ITTO SAP:SP6UNSPF:GFG6

Estimated cost:
US$400,000
Expected funding sources: Voluntary Contributions
Year 2024–US$200,000
Year 2025–US$200,000
19. ITTO Market
Information Service(MIS)

Relevance
ITTA/ITTC:
Decision 4(XXVII)PL:
Crosscutting
Twenty-three (23)Tropical Timber Market
Reports publishedannually in 2024 and2025)

ITTA/ITTC:
Articles 27, 28

CEM

ITTO SAP:
SP2, SP4UNSPF:
GFG2, GFG6
PL:
PL 1, PL 4

20. Enhancement ofstatistical work anddatabases on
statistics

Regular work. The Secretariat will undertake activities to improve statistical
databases, maintain access to international forest products trade databases and tomaintain involvement in the Intersecretariat Working Group on Forest Statistics andthe Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire process.
Estimated cost:
US$40,000
Expected funding sources: Core Operational Costs
Year 2024–US$20,000
Year 2025–US$20,000• Participation in two
meetings of theIntersecretariat Working
Group• Updating andrefinement of JFSQ

ITTA/ITTC:
Article 27
ITTO SAP:SP4UNSPF:
GFG6
PL:
PL 1

CEM

ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 17
Activity
21. Biennial review andassessment of theworld timber
situation

Implementation Approach and Cost
Regular work. Preparation of the draft elements for the Biennial Review andAssessment of the World Timber Situation for 2023-2024 in 2024 and publication of
the Biennial Review and Assessment of the World Timber Situation for 2023-2024 in
2025.
Estimated cost:
US$120,000
Expected funding sources: Core Operational Costs
Year 2024–US$60,000
Year 2025–US$60,000

Subtotals Group 5Core budget
Voluntary Contributions sought

Total

2024
US$ 490,000
US$ 240,000
US$ 730,000

2025
US$ 490,000
US$ 240,000
US$ 730,000

Biennium Total
US$ 980,000
US$ 480,000
US$ 1,460,000

Activity Targets• Draft elements ofthe 2023-24 Review
considered at the
Sixtieth Session of
the Council in 2024
• Biennial review andassessment 202324 published in
2025

Relevance
ITTA/ITTC:
Article 28
ITTO SAP:SP4UNSPF:
GFG6
PL:
PL 1

Body
CouncilITTC(LIX)/14
Page 18
Part 2 – ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (NO FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS)
Activity
22. Consider the progress in the implementation of the ITTO
Biennial Work Programme for 2024-2025.
ITTA, 2006, Article 24][ITTC Decisions 7(XXV), 2(XXXI), 9(XXXIV)]
23. Consider the Draft ITTO Biennial Work Programme for2026-2027.
[ITTC Decisions 7(XXV), 2(XXXI), 9(XXXIV)]
24. Decide on eligibility of approved actions, projects andpre-projects for funding out of Sub-account B of the Bali
Partnership Fund.
ITTA, 2006, Article 21][ITTC Decision 4(XXX)]
25. Make allocations from unearmarked funds available in theBali Partnership Fund and/or Special Account to fundimplementation of eligible approved actions, projects andpre-projects.
ITTA, 2006, Article 21; [ITTC Decision 4(XXX)]
26. Decide on project work, including financing, taking into
account the recommendations made by the Committees
on project proposals and on-going and completed
approved projects.
ITTA, 2006, Articles 20, 21, 25]
27. Consider progress in the implementation, monitoring andevaluation of the programmatic approach and the four
programme lines during the pilot phase period.
[ITTC Decision 8(LV)]
28. Consider progress in the implementation, monitoring andevaluation of pre-projects, projects and activities under the
Thematic Programmes Sub-Account.
ITTA, 2006, Article 20(6)][ITTC Decisions 9(XLIV), 10(XLIV)]
29. Consider the reports of the Informal Advisory Group (IAG).
[ITTC Decisions 3(XXII), 5(XXVI)]
30. Review the results of relevant project and policy work of
the Committees.
ITTA, 2006, Articles 24, 26]

Implementation Approach
Regular Sessions’ work.

Activity Targets• Progress reviewed at the Sixtieth and Sixty-first
Sessions of the Council in 2024 and 2025

Body
Council

Regular Sessions’ work.

• Draft ITTO Biennial Work Programme for 2026-2027
considered at the Sixty-first Session of the Council
in 2025• Decisions taken at the Sixtieth and Sixty-first
Sessions of the Council in 2024 and 2025

Council• Allocations made at the Sixtieth and Sixty-first
Sessions of the Council in 2024 and 2025

Council

Regular Sessions’ work.

• Decisions taken at the Sixtieth and Sixty-first
Sessions of the Council in 2024 and 2025

Council

The Secretariat will update Council
on the implementation of the pilot
phase.

• Review Report to be considered at the Sixtieth
Session of the Council in 2024

Council

Regular Sessions’ work.

• Progress (if any) considered at the Sixtieth andSixty-first Sessions of the Council in 2024 and 2025

Council

Regular Sessions’ work.

• Report of the Fortieth and Forty-first Meetings of the
IAG considered at the Sixtieth and Sixty-first
Sessions of the Council in 2024 and 2025
• Reports of the Committees presented at the Sixtiethand Sixty-first Sessions of the Council in 2024 and2025

Council

Regular Sessions’ work. The Panelestablished under ITTC Decision
4(XXX) advises the Council on
eligibility of actions, pre-projects andprojects
forfunding
outof
Sub-Account B.
Regular Sessions’ work. The Panelestablished under ITTC Decision
4(XXX)
advisesCouncilonallocations of unearmarked funds.

Regular Sessions’ work.

Council

CouncilITTC(LIX)/14
Page 19
Activity
31. Approve selected projects for ex-post evaluation following
procedures outlined in ITTC Decision 3(XXVIII).
[ITTC Decision 3(XXVIII)]
32. Consider and, if appropriate, take action to disseminate
information on project findings and results.
ITTA, 2006, Article 26]
33. Consider the reports of mid-term and ex-post evaluations
on on-going and completed projects.
ITTA, 2006, Articles 24, 26]
34. Review the independent audited statements for the 2023
and 2024 financial years, and make recommendation to
the Council for their approval.
ITTA, 2006, Article 23]
35. Examine and make recommendations to Council,
regarding the approval of the Organization’s
administrative budget proposal for the 2024-2025
biennium.
ITTA, 2006, Article 19(4)]36. Review the assets of the Organization to ensure prudent
asset management and that the Organization has
sufficient reserves to carry out its work.
ITTA, 2006, Article 19(5)]Implementation Approach
Regular Sessions’ work.

37. Examine and make recommendations to Council, on thebudgetary implications of the Organization’s work
program, and the actions that might be taken to secure
the resources needed to implement it.
ITTA, 2006, Article 24(3)]Regular Sessions’ work.

Regular Sessions’ work.

Activity Targets• Projects selected for ex-post evaluation approved at
the Sixtieth and Sixty-first Sessions of the Council in
2024 and 2025
• Dissemination considered at the Sixtieth andSixty-first Sessions of the Council in 2024 and 2025

Body
Council
Council

Regular Sessions’ work.

• Reports considered at the Sixtieth and Sixty-first
Sessions of the Council in 2024 and 2025

Joint
Committees

Regular Sessions’ work.

• Reports of independent auditors disseminated tomembers and summaries published in ITTO Annual
Reports in 2024 and 2025

CFA

Regular Sessions’ work.

• Budget proposal for the 2024-2025 biennium will be
included in the Thirty-ninth CFA Report to bepresented at the Fifty-ninth Session of the Council in
2023

CFA

Regular Sessions’ work.

• Report of the independent auditors for the financial
years 2023 and 2024 presented at the Sixtieth andSixty-first Sessions of the Council in 2024 and 2025
• Meetings and reports of the investment oversightpanel as appropriate• Decision on the ITTO Biennial Work Programme
2024-2025 presented at the Fifty-ninth Session of
the Council in 2023

CFA

CFA

ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 20TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE ACTIVITIESIN GROUPS 1-5 OF THE
BIENNIAL WORK PROGRAMMEFOR THE YEARS 2024-2025

ITTC(LIX)/14
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Page 22
Activity No. 1
BUILDING LEGAL AND SUSTAINABLE FOREST PRODUCT SUPPLY CHAINS
I. Background
This activity will involve close collaboration with donor countries seeking to ensure legality of tropical timber
imports. The activity will build on previous work by ITTO and partners to promote SFM and to establish
sustainable supply chains, including through innovative timber tracking systems.
II. Description
The activity will support key exporters to respond to emerging demands from consumers for the developmentof green supply chains. In 2024-2025 work will be continued on the implementation of the programme on legal
and sustainable supply chains (LSSC) for tropical wood and forest products. Activities will involve building the
LSSC-GGSC platform; consolidating and improving the Global Timber Index (GTI) Platform to provide
multi-dimensional service (Phase II&III); establishing and testing a simulation platform for cross-border timbertraceability based on the blockchain technology (Phase II&III); further developing the Timber Trade Portal(TTP) website, as well as other events and activities.
ITTO will recruit an experienced team to implement this activity.
III. Expected outputs
The activity will result in tropical forest concessionaires developing increased capacity for SFM and/or
sustainable supply chains together with the main private sector importers in key consumer countries. It will
thereby increase trade in sustainable/legally verified timber. The activity will facilitate the construction of
LSSC-GGSC platform including the improvement of the Global Timber Index (GTI) Platform to provide
multi-dimensional service (Phase II&III) and the establishment of a simulation platform for cross-border timbertraceability based on the blockchain technology (Phase II&III), and the further development of the Timber Trade
Portal (TTP) website, as well as other events and activities. Using remaining funds under the BWP for2021-2022 extended into 2023, the following work will continue into 2024 and 2025, including building the
LSSC-GGSC platform, the improvement of the Global Timber Index (GTI) Platform to provide
multi-dimensional service and the establishment of a simulation platform for cross-border timber traceability
based on the blockchain technology, and the further development of the Timber Trade Portal (TTP) website,
as well as other events and activities.
IV. Target countries
The activity will be relevant to all ITTO member countries.
V. Duration & timing

24 months

VI. Budget

LSSC-GGSC platform
Timber Trade Portal (TTP) website
Global Timber Index (GTI) Platform (Phase II&III)
Blockchain study (Phase II&III)
Total:

US$ 100,000
US$ 100,000
US$ 2,281,000
US$ 653,000
US$ 3,134,000

Expected SAP outcome(s)• Increased forest area that is managed sustainably and legally harvested• Improvement in good governance and effectiveness of forest law enforcement• Increased consistency and compatibility among systems to provide assurance of legality and sustainability
for tropical timber• Reduction in illegal logging
SAP indicator(s)• Quantity of tropical timber exports recognized as originating from sustainably managed forests• Increased trade in verified legally harvested timber

ITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity No.2
STRENGTHENING PARTICIPATION OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE WORK OF ITTO:
INDUSTRY-LED LEGALITY COMPLIANCE/DUE CARE TRAINING
I.

Background

During the last decade, major consumer markets have put new market requirements and measures in place
to restrict the entry of illegally harvested and traded wood products, most notably through the U.S. Lacey Act
from 2008 and the EUTR from 2013. The recent adoption of the EUDR in 2023 adds a new layer of complexity.
Industry, both corporate and small-scale suppliers, have had to substantially adjust their practices for sourcing
legally and sustainable wood. In doing so, it has become apparent that a significant gap exists in how buyers
and traders along the supply chain manage their practices in order to demonstrate due care. Some of theissues encountered have been a regular discussion at the CEM/CFI committee as tropical suppliers struggle
to understand and meet new market requirements in consumer countries.
Several organizations have developed training programs and materials on forest legality in partnership withindustry associations. For example, the Global Timber Forum,--a UK based nonprofit industry group whichconvenes associations of the wood-based industries and their stakeholders to address shared challenges in
responsible trade-- and the FAO FLEGT program brought together groups such as International Wood
Products Association of the USA, the European Timber Trade Federation and the UK Timber Trade
Federation, as well as others to assess supplier country training and technical assistance needs. Curricula
developed in conjunction with experts were piloted and launched in producer countries in Latin America(Colombia, Guatemala and Peru) with ITTO assistance under the 2018-20 and 2021-23 BWPs.
This ongoing work supports the ITTO SAP goals of forging alliances with the private sector, strengthening
ITTO work with a major CPF Partner (FAO), and fulfills a commitment by the CEM/CFI committee to enhance
work with the private sector with concrete action.
II. Description
ITTO will work with the Trade Advisory Group as well as partners like FAO (a CPF partner), together with major
relevant international organizations, NGOs and private sector associations that are working in this area topilot and scale up capacity on legality compliance/due care. The training model will follow one that has been
proven successful – delivered by industry actors in partnership with respected intergovernmental andnongovernmental organizations, who understand the challenges and needs and vocabulary of businesses andindustry in producer countries who are involved in the international trade. Remaining funding from the related
activities under previous BWPs will be used to carry out one additional workshop in 2024-25. If additional funds
are pledged under this BWP, this work will be extended to up to four additional countries in the other tropicalregions.
III. Expected outputs:
Up to five pilot training programs implemented.
IV. Target countries
ITTO Producer countries in Asia and Africa (to be selected by ITTO Secretariat in consultation with partners).
V. Duration & timing

24 months

VI. Budget

Year 2024
Year 2025
Total:

US$ 50,000
US$ 50,000
US$100,000

Expected SAP outcome(s)•Increased private sector capacity to trade in forest goods from legal and sustainably managed forests

SAP indicator(s)•Number of private sector entities who are incorporating the training in their practices

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Activity No. 3
PROMOTING QULIATY TIMBER PRODUCTION FROM SMALLHOLDER AND
LOCAL COMMUNITY - ESTABLISHED PLANTATIONS
I.

Background

Smallholder timber plantations in the tropics have the potential for sustainable quality timber supply chains,
driven by increasing forest landscape restoration initiatives. These plantations also provide valuableecosystem services like carbon sequestration and soil conservation, benefiting local communities. Developing
smallholder agroforestry systems with teak and other valuable native tree species has a huge potential for the
supply of timber to the local timber industries. Teak plantations, for example, have been widely establishedacross 70 tropical countries over an estimated 6.89 million hectares, nearly 80% of which is in Asia followedby 10% in Africa and 6% in Latin America. Smallholder systems account for approximately one-fifth of the
global teak estate and are an important source of raw material for national and international teak industries.
However, their productivity remains generally low, due to poor quality of planting stock, insufficient silvicultural
practices, limited financing for quality timber production, and weak marketing and value chains.
The Activity builds upon the outcomes of the BMEL-ITTO Project “Enhancing Conservation and Sustainable
Management of Teak Forests and Legal and Sustainable Wood Supply Chains in the Greater Mekong
Sub-region” (PP-A/54-331) implemented under the BWP 2021-2022. This project supported participating
countries’ policies and strategies promoting sustainable management of teak resources and plantation efforts
in public and private land, value chain development, forest-based economic development, certification andlegality of sustainably produced timber including smallholders.
Given the recent trade development of tropical timber and timber products in ITTO producing member
countries, as well as ongoing challenges like deforestation, illegal trade, declining high-quality timber species,
and the need to enhance product competitiveness, ITTO remains committed to facilitating the promotion of acommon platform through international fora to tackle the challenges of ensuring that teak and other valuable
products from legally and sustainably sources benefit member countries, improving community livelihood andlocal economic development.
II. Description
This Activity aims to significantly improve the production of quality timber from smallholder and local
community-established plantations of teak and other valuable species in Asia-Pacific and West Africa. It
involves promoting policies and programs to ensure the availability of high-quality planting material, theadoption of better silvicultural practices, access to financing to promote longer rotations, value addition andimproved timber legality. Key activities include promoting financial schemes that support high-quality teakproduction with longer rotations and facilitating access to voluntary carbon markets. Tapping into the carbon
credit markets will provide additional incentives and contribute to the global effort for climate change mitigation.
It will also encourage regional and international cooperation to support the sustainable development ofsmallholder plantations.
To achieve the objectives of this Activity, key actions include:
1. Supply Chain Enhancement:• Conserve genetical resources of teak and other selected species.
• Support smallholders and local communities in improved management practices for these species
through field training.
• Promote compliance with timber legality standards in smallholder/community plantations.
2. Financial schemes:• Conduct a feasibility study for direct contracts/out-grower schemes with sourcing companies toensure fair product pricing for smallholders.
• Investigate micro-lending schemes to address credit limitations faced by smallholders.
• Explore strategies for establishing effective forest grower associations, reducing transaction costs,
and enhancing access to micro-credits.
• Assess opportunities in voluntary carbon markets to increase revenue through longer rotation cycles,
providing financial security for farmers.

ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 25
3. Regional and International Collaboration:• Develop and disseminate outreach materials and training materials for the conservation andsustainable management of target species.
• Support and facilitate teak networking among ITTO member countries through quarterly webinars.
The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has committed to implementing this Activity, as
detailed in the project document “Promoting Quality Timber Production in Smallholders and Community-based
Teak and Other Valuable Species Plantations in the Tropics (PP-A/54-331A).” Throughout the implementationof this Activity, active engagement with relevant stakeholders, including CSOs, trade and industry sector,
IUFRO and TEAKNET, will be invited to foster collaboration.
III. Expected outputs•••

Supply chains of smallholders and community-based teak and other valuable species plantation andmanagement systems have been strengthened with easy availability of high-quality planting stock andimplementation of improved practices in silviculture and timber processing and legality.
Financing schemes for quality timber production in smallholders and community-based teak and otherspecies plantations have been analyzed and improvements have been suggested to increase economic
outcomes.
Regional and international collaboration, information sharing and knowledge management, networking,policy development and outreach for sustainable smallholder teak and other species plantations have beenstrengthened.

IV. Target countries

ITTO member countries (Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Togo and Vietnam)

V. Duration & timing 36 months
VI. Budget

Year 2024
Year 2025/26
Total:

US$664,071
US$749,378
US$1,413,449

Strategic Priority(s)•••SP 1 (Governance and Investment)
SP 2 (Economics and Topical Timber Trade)
SP 3 (Resilience, Restoration and Conservation)

SAP target(s)•Target 3, Target 4, Target 6, Target 7, Target 9, Target 10, Target 14

ITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity No. 4
ENHANCE COOPERATION BETWEEN ITTO AND CITES
I.

Background & description

ITTO and CITES have developed strong collaborative activities to improve implementation of timber listing
requirements over the past 20 years. This collaboration culminated in the large capacity building program first
proposed in the 2006-2007 BWP which allowed a grant proposal seeking funding for an ITTO-CITES
collaborative capacity building Program to be developed. The proposal was submitted to the European Union
through the European Commission, which provided 3 million euros for a first phase running from 2007-2011.
The large-scale funding from the EU/EC was extended to 2012-16 under an additional grant of 5 million euros,
to be matched by the equivalent of 2.5 million euros to be raised from other donors. The activity therefore
continued under ITTO’s 2008-2009, 2010-2011, 2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2015-2017 BWPs, primarily with
EU funding but with additional contributions of over $3 million from the USA, Switzerland, Japan, theNetherlands, Norway, Germany, New Zealand, China, the private sector and ITTO’s BPF. The work was
managed by ITTO until the end of 2016 with assistance from three regional coordinators and the CITES
Secretariat and guided by a program advisory committee.
The ITTO-CITES Program completed implementation of more than 40 activities under its second phase from2012-16. Country-specific activities were completed in Brazil, Cameroon, China, Congo, DRC, Guatemala,Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia and Peru, focusing on African species Pericopsis elata (afrormosia), Prunus
africana (African cherry), and several Dalbergia (rosewood) and Diospyros (ebony) species from Madagascar;
Asian species Aquileria/Gyrinops spp. (agarwood) and Gonystylus spp. (ramin); and Latin American species
Cedrela odorata, Swietenia macrophylla, Dalbergia retusa and D. stevensonii. Eight activities were funded andcompleted under the Trade and Market Transparency thematic program based on a provision of the EU/EC
funding grant calling for 20% of the EU funds provided to be directed to activities with objectives relevant toboth the TMT and CITES programs.
The EU/EC in 2016 decided to provide further funding for work on CITES-listed tree species directly to the
CITES Secretariat through a new CITES Tree Species Program (CTSP). The CTSP finalized activities in 2022,
the same year that an additional 200+ tropical tree species were added to CITES Appendix II. The continuing
needs of countries for support to implement existing and new CITES tree species listings, coupled withindications from the EU/EC that no further large scale grants for such work will be forthcoming, makes it
imperative that other ITTO donors continue to recognize ITTO’s comparative advantages in this field by
supporting ITTO’s CITES-related work through this on-going BWP activity in 2024-25. Using funds alreadyprovided under previous BWPs, ITTO has just completed in 2023 an NDF study for mahogany in Ecuador andis currently implementing projects to operationalize DNA tracking of Pericopsis elata and Prunus africana in
Cameroon and to implement a inventory control/tracking methodology for rosewoods in Madagascar. An
additional project to implement DNA tracking of cumaru (one of the species newly listed in 2022) in Peru will
also be implemented in 2024-25 using remaining funds from previous BWPs. Negotiations are currently
underway with the CITES Secretariat on future collaboration on activities of mutual interest. New funding
pledged under this BWP to this activity will allow ITTO to assist additional Member Countries in implementing
CITES requirements for listed tropical timber species, as well as facilitating ongoing collaboration with the
CITES Secretariat.
II. Expected outputs
During the biennium and as appropriate/required in consultation with the CITES Secretariat, this activity will
facilitate:•assistance in implementing CITES requirements for listed tropical timber species (e.g. inventories, NDFs,
tracking);•
collaboration with the CITES Secretariat;•
assistance with preparing proposals for CITES listings of new tropical tree species; and•attendance and participation of ITTO in relevant CITES meetings and fora.
III. Target countries

ITTO member countries

IV. Duration & timing 24 months

ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 27
V. Budget

Work in producer countries and with CTSP
Assistance with CITES listings proposals
Attendance at relevant meetings
Total:

US$160,000
US$20,000
US$20,000
US$200,000

Expected SAP outcome(s)••Increased competitiveness and market access for tropical timber
Trade and utilization of timber and non-timber tropical forest species is consistent with their conservation

SAP indicator(s)•••Value of exports of tropical forest products
Quantity of tropical timber exports recognized as originating from sustainably managed forests
Number of commercial timber species and non-timber tropical forest species listed in CITES Appendix I

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Activity No. 5
MONITOR PROGRESS IN THE APPLICATION OF CRITERIA AND INDICATORS FORSUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENTI.

Background

Under ITTC Decisions 5(XXX), 9(XXX), 4(XXXIV), ITTO has collaborated extensively with other C&I processes(e.g. Montreal Process, Pan-European Process, FAO Forest Resource Assessment, etc.) to promote theunderstanding of the role of C&I in contributing to sustainable forest management and the use of this important
tool for forest monitoring reporting and assessment (MAR). This activity will allow for on-going collaboration
with other related forest reporting processes to continue.
The final version of the revised/adapted set of ITTO C&I for sustainable forest management adapted to Africa
context was posted on the ITTO website for comments by ITTO Members, and by the deadline of 1 November
2022 there were no comments. The ITTO Secretariat is currently undergoing the translation (English/French,
two ITTO working languages used by ITTO member countries in Africa) with final editing, layout, design andpublication.
II. Description
This activity will allow for additional workshops during 2024-2025 to disseminate the revised set of ITTO C&I
for sustainable forest management adapted to Africa context, which was approved in 2022 with a focus on
ITTO member countries in Africa. The activity will allow the holding of two regional workshops in Africa (onefor English speaking countries and one for French speaking countries) for the promotion of theabovementioned ITTO C&I for sustainable forest management adapted to Africa context. The curriculum ofthese workshops will evolve to ensure that participants receive up to date information on all relevant aspectsof monitoring, assessing and reporting (MAR) on forests.
III. Expected outputs•••

Relevant stakeholders in ITTO producer member countries in Africa familiar with the revised set of ITTO
C&I for sustainable forest management adapted to Africa context;
ITTO concerns and priorities reflected in international initiatives on MAR related to forests; andMore countries able to effectively report on forests/forest management using the ITTO C&I reporting
format.

IV. Target countries

ITTO producer members

V. Duration & timing 24 months (commencing when funding made available)
VI. Budget

2 Regional workshops @ $75,000 each
Total:

Strategic Priority(s)•SP 1 (Governance and investment)

SAP target(s)•Target 3

US$150,000
US$150,000ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 29
Activity No. 6
STATISTICAL CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOPS
I.

Background

The level and quality of reporting on forestry sector statistics by ITTO producer countries is variable and many
countries remain unable to meet their international and national statistical reporting requirements. Although
ITTO has conducted a number of regional and national statistical training workshops, country-level assistanceis still required because each country’s problems and solutions differ and because of staff turnover. ITTO will
work in liaison with FAO and other partners in delivering these workshops, tailoring training to country needs
and building on collaborative relationships developed in workshops carried out under previous BWPs.
II. Description
The purpose of this activity is to support up to four regional training workshops or other activities on request,
to enable producer countries to meet their reporting requirements on forestry sector statistics. In order tomaximize the number of participants per workshop, ITTO and FAO have been organizing regional workshops
for which 30-40 participants from 15-20 countries are invited to participate to meetings and a field trip for 3-4
days. Both organizations coordinate these regional workshops on a round basis in the three producing regions(Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America-Caribbean regions).
Although the objectives of country-level workshops will be tailored to specific needs, these will include thefollowing:•
Establish and reinforce a network of forest products statistical correspondents;•
Review and assess the current state of national forest products statistics at regional and national levels,
identifying the main weaknesses and constraints of the current systems;•
Improve the framework for future national statistical processes, including methodologies for statisticalreporting and requirements for resources and equipment;•
Provide training on standardized international definitions as a base for completing the Joint Forest Sector
Questionnaire; and•Promote an information culture.
III. Expected outputs
•
•
•
•
•

Information on the status and constraints of current national forestry sector statistics discussed;
The network of different actors in the value chain, including the public and private sectors, are linked togenerate national statistics on production, consumption and trade in wood products. Agreement isreached on sustainable cooperation on forestry sector statistics between the various agencies;
A roadmap for strengthening the national system of forest products national and international statisticalreporting is developed;
The country’s international reporting requirements and requirements of the ITTO Joint Forest Sector
Questionnaire are understood; andShare common concerns and possible solutions among the participants from various countries.

IV. Target countries

ITTO member countries

V. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

US$100,000

The aim of this activity is to be able to organize up to 4 regional workshops which costs are shared equally
between FAO and ITTO. The estimated total cost for one workshop is $50,000 ($25,000 for ITTO and $25,000
for FAO). The expected cost breakdown for one regional workshop inviting 20 participants for 3 days is asfollows:
Participants air travel fees
Participants accommodation, DSA
Meeting rooms, logistic, conference
Facility, documents printing
Miscellaneous/field trip

US$15,000
US$15,000
US$10,000
US$10,000

ITTC(LIX)/14
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Expected SAP outcome(s)•••Public institutions, communities and commercial entities have adequate forest management, planning,
policy and business skills needed to implement SFM and engage in international trade
Increase in the awareness of the contribution of SFM to economies
Increase in exchange of experiences, knowledge innovations in SFM, and promotion of trade and timber
processing among members

SAP indicator(s)•Number of individuals receiving training or education

ITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity No. 7
PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF FIRE IN TROPICAL TIMBER-PRODUCING FORESTS
I.

Background

Urgent action is needed to improve fire management in tropical regions, evident from devastating fires in the
Amazon and elsewhere. Forest and Land fires, exacerbated by drought and heatwaves are a major driver offorest loss and degradation in many tropical countries with releases of carbon dioxide, biodiversity loss andsevere human health problems. ITTO has been actively promoting in line with the ITTO Guidelines on Fire
Management in Tropical Forests published 1997. These projects have assisted in developing andimplementing fire prevention and control strategies for forest managers, planners, and local communities intropical countries. ITTO has formed partnerships with key organizations, including the United Nations
International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) Global Wildland Advisory Group and the Global Fire
Monitoring Center (GFMC). Additionally, ITTO has supported a series of International Wildland Fire
Conferences, held in 2011 (South Africa), 2015 (Korea), 2019 (Brazil), and 2023 (Portugal). Through theseguidelines and field projects, ITTO collaborates with organizations and agencies to create and implement
national action plans for forest fires and facilitates meetings for regional forest fire networks.
Under the 2018-2020 BWP, the Government of Japan provided funding of US$ 2,210,526 to develop two fireprojects. These projects aimed to enhance the capacities of national and local authorities in Indonesia andPeru to take urgent action for prevention and response to forest fires. Both projects concluded in 2022, withan ex-post evaluation scheduled for 2024 to assess their impact.
II. Description
The Activity aims to review and analyze the technical information and knowledge gained from theimplementation of successfully completed ITTO projects as well as the development of Integrated Fire
Management (IFM) framework, which promote ecosystem-based solutions, stakeholder engagement,
inclusion, prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. This analysis includes the Landscape Fire
Governance Framework, approved in May 2023 at the 8th International Wildland Fire Conference in Porto,
Portugal. Based on the outcome of this analysis, the Activity will update and revise the ITTO Guidelines on
Fire Management in Tropical Forests (1997) to provide a base for policy makers and managers at various
levels to develop programs and projects in which the specific national, socio-economic, and naturally occurring
problems related to fire in tropical natural and planted forests. Partners in this analysis and revision of the ITTO
Fire Guidelines include the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC), which supports various regional forest fire
networks in the tropics.
III. Expected outputs• Improved forest policy development for fire prevention and management with improved national firecooperation opportunities;• Enhanced partnerships for effective coordination and synergies among stakeholders in combating andpreventing forest and land fires.
IV. Target countries:

ITTO member countries

V. Duration & timing: 24 months
VI. Budget

Review of the development and implementation of
integrated Fire Management Framework and best practices
Revision of the ITTO Guidelines on Fire Managementin Tropical Forests (1997) and publication of the revised Guidelines
Total:

Strategic Priority(s)•SP 3 (Resilience, Restoration and Conservation)

SAP target(s)• Target 12, Target 13, Target 18

US$ 30,000
US$ 70,000
US$100,000ITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity No. 8(a)DEVELOPING AND OPERATIONALIZING ITTO’S POLICY GUIDELINES TO MEMBERS
OPERATIONALIZING THE ITTO POLICY GUIDELINES ON
GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWERING WOMEN
I. Background
ITTO is committed to gender mainstreaming and enhancing gender equality outcomes across its policy andproject work. The ITTO Policy Guidelines on Gender Equality and Empowering Women (GEEW) approved at
the 53rd ITTC institutionalize this commitment. The Policy Guidelines serve as a framework for gender
integration in ITTO policies, plans, programmes, projects, activities and internal functioning and are intended
to enhance the impact and effectiveness of the Organization’s operations in all areas and at all levels.
II. Description
In order to implement the gender policy guidelines, a number of possible actions had been proposed in thereport of the consultant presented to the 53rd ITTC. While a number of the proposed actions can be initiatedor undertaken within existing resources, the following actions proposed for implementation under the BWP
2021-2022 require voluntary contributions from Members for their implementation.
•
•
•
•
•
•

Supplement the gender guidance contained in the ITTO Manual for Project Formulation (2009 edition)with a new Appendix D to provide guidance on gender analysis.
Update ITTO project-related manuals to include guidance on gender-related results-based management(outcomes, impacts, etc.), including gender-sensitive results indicators and sex-disaggregated data.
Include a training module on gender integration in all ITTO training workshops on proposal preparation toensure Executing Agencies and project coordinators have the skills needed to properly integrate genderissues into project planning, design, monitoring and evaluation.
Provide training to all ITTO staff members, Executing Agencies and project coordinators so that they
understand the importance of GEEW and how to integrate gender issues in their work.
Participate in meetings/initiatives to develop a network of forest gender experts amongst ITTO
collaborative partners, including CPF organizations, UN WOMEN, interested CSAG and TAG
organizations.
Conduct an exploratory study on the role of women in forestry/forest industry, manufacturing and trade.

III. Expected outputs
Enhance the effective integration of gender considerations in all aspects of ITTO’s policy and project work.
Build the capacity of ITTO and its Members to promote gender quality and empower women in the tropicalforest sector.
IV. Target countries

ITTO member countries

V. Duration & timing

24 months

VI. Budget

Review and update ITTO Manuals
Development and implementation of a training module
on Gender for proposal preparation workshops
Participation in meetings and networking(Virtual) Training of ITTO staff, Executing Agencies
Study on gender roles in forest industry
Total:

US$ 50,000
US$ 40,000
US$ 40,000
US$ 25,000
US$ 30,000
US$185,000

Expected SAP outcome(s)•Public institutions, communities and commercial entities have adequate forest management, planning,
policy and business skills needed to implement SFM and engage in international trade
SAP indicator(s)•Number of individuals receiving training or education•
Number of trained individuals per country

ITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity No. 8(b)DEVELOPING AND OPERATIONALIZING ITTO’S POLICY GUIDELINESDISSEMINATING ITTO GUIDELINES FOR FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION IN THE TROPICS
I.

Background

The ITTO Guidelines for Forest Landscape Restoration in the Tropics (2020) provides guidance frompolicymakers to foresters and farmers in restoring degraded forest landscapes, thereby providing vital goods
and ecosystem services and creating sustainable rural livelihoods and employment. Forest landscaperestoration (FLR) is an inclusive approach requiring some guidance to assist decision-makers and practitioners
in putting it into practice, through dissemination and outreach actions. Potential international partners could be,among others, the following: Bonn Challenge with its global call for the restoration; World Resources Institute(WRI) through its 20-20 Target Initiative; and the Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework, adopted during CBD COP 15 in December 2022.
II. Description
Taking into account the fact that there have been major developments in forest-related policy international
initiatives, such as the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), United Nations
Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG-15) that promotes halting global deforestation and the Paris
Agreement on Climate which places efforts to tackle deforestation and promote sustainable forestry as a coreachievement within the framework of global carbon mitigation measures, this Activity will be implemented asfollows:•
Production of outreach and communication materials to facilitate the dissemination of the ITTO
Guidelines for Forest Landscape Restoration in the Tropics (2020);•
Participation in relevant international FLR events with the involvement of ITTO international partners;•
Organize three regional capacity building workshops, each of the three tropical regions.
III. Expected outputs••

ITTO Guidelines for Forest Landscape Restoration disseminated through county or/and regional
workshops in conjunction with international partners, particularly with the members of the Collaborative
Partnerships on Forests (CPF);
Knowledge and experience in promoting the principles of FLR enhanced for ITTO stakeholders.

IV. Target countries: ITTO member countries
V. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

Outreach and communications materials in thethree ITTO working languages
Participation in international FLR events
Three Regional Workshops
Total:

Strategic Priority(s)•SP 3 (Resilience, Restoration and Conservation)

SAP target(s)•Target 12, Target 13, Target 14, Target 17

US$ 20,000
US$ 10,000
US$150,000
US$180,000ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 34
Activity No. 8(c)DEVELOPING AND OPERATIONALIZING ITTO’S POLICY GUIDELINESSUPPORT FOR WOMEN’S GROUPS WITH GENDER EMPOWERMENT AND
FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION IN TOGO
I.

Background

This Activity is funded under the pilot phase of the Programmatic Approach of the new financing architecture
Third Programme Line (PL3) titled “Forest Landscape Restoration and Resilient Livelihoods” in conformancewith the implementation of Decision 8(LV) calling upon the ITTO Secretariat to play a more proactive role inseeking new funding avenues and partners for the funding of ITTO’s work. It will contribute to andoperationalize the ITTO Policy Guidelines on Gender Equality and Empowering Women and the ITTO
Guidelines for Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) in the Tropics, as a pilot case to be implemented in Togo.
Any additional funds pledged will replicate this Activity in two other African countries to be decided in due timeand in consultation with the donors and the women’s groups involved in FLR.
II. Description
Women in rural communities are in charge of providing many of the essential livelihood functions for theirfamilies and are disproportionately affected by poverty, the impact of climate change and the rapid decline ofnatural resources on which they depend. This Activity will serve as an example and encouragement for other
women groups in Togo to take the initiative to emancipate themselves from traditional gender roles and to
improve their livelihoods as follows:•
To build the organizational, technical and material capacities for empowering local women's groups
regarding the implementation of forest landscape restoration and agro-forestry activities in Togo, with thepotential of replication in two other African countries to be decided in due time; and•To increase their resilience against impacts from climate change.
Additional funds have been mobilized for 2024, with the aim to consolidate and sustain the groundachievements of REFACOF-Togo’s women groups realized during the implementation of the Phase 1 andPhase 2 of PP-A/56-341, in Togo’s Blitta and Lacs Prefectures.
III. Expected outputs
Capacity of selected women’s groups in the rehabilitation of degraded forest ecosystems reinforced,
Resilience of recipient communities to climate change and the improvement of their living conditions
through increased and strengthened household incomes,
ITTO Policy Guidelines on Gender Equality and ITTO Guidelines for Forest Landscape Restoration in the
Tropics implemented.

•••

IV. Target countries
ITTO producing member countries in Africa with a special focus on women’s groups involved in FLR.

•

V. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

FLR and gender related capacity building
Ground agroforestry and FLR implementation
Consultants for technical support on FLR and Gender
Total:

Strategic Priority(s)SP 3 (Resilience, Restoration and Conservation)•

SAP target(s)•Target 13, Target 14

US$ 75,000
US$ 75,000
US$ 30,000
US$ 180,000ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 35
Activity No. 9
CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY IN
TROPICAL TIMBER PRODUCTION FORESTS
I.

Background

Recognizing the critical importance of tropical production forests in promoting the conservation and sustainable
use of biodiversity, ITTO adopted the ITTO/IUCN Guidelines for the conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity in tropical timber production forests at the Forty-fourth Session of the Council, in November 2008.
In collaboration with IUCN and other relevant partners, these guidelines have been promoted at various levels.
Based on the provisions of the memorandum of understanding signed by the CBD and ITTO Secretariats,
ITTO has actively promoted the Joint ITTO-CBD Collaborative Initiative for Tropical Forest Biodiversity since2010, which helps finance on-the-ground projects in the three tropical regions.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted during CBD COP 15 in December 2022, has
set out the four global goals and 27 targets for their achievements by 2030. The ITTO-CBD Collaborative
Initiative will prioritize activities to contribute to the achievement of forest-related goals and targets identified
in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which are in correlation with some ITTO objectives
and priorities, specifically:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Target 2: Ensure that by 2030 at least 30% of degraded ecosystems are under restoration.
Target 3: Ensure that by 2030 at least 30% of land and ocean are protected through well-connected
and equitable governed systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation
measures.
Target 10: Ensure that areas of agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry are managed
sustainably.
Target 15: Take legal, or policy measures to encourage business to reduce negative impacts on
biodiversity and to promote actions to ensure sustainable patterns of production.
Target 16: Ensure that people are encouraged to make sustainable consumption choices.
Target 20: Strengthen capacity-building and development, access to and transfer of technology, andpromote development of and access to innovation and technical and scientific cooperation.

II. Description
This activity will contribute to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in tropical timber
production forests through the following actions:•••

Facilitate the engagement of the ITTO Secretariat in the Partnerships for the Targets 2 & 3 and the High
Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People to support the achievements of forest-related goals andtargets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Assist the participation of selected ITTO biodiversity project team members in CBD COP 16 in 2024 withthe organization of a joint side event with CBD to share ITTO experiences and insights in relevantinternational events.
Support the implementation of the ITTO-CBD Collaborative Initiative Programme for the years 2024-2025.
This support includes the organization of three regional capacity building workshops and dissemination of
their outcomes at international biodiversity events.

III. Expected outputs•••

Sharing ITTO experience in promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in tropicaltimber production forests;
Wider knowledge and implementation of the forest-based targets and goals of the Kunming-Montreal
Global Biodiversity Framework;
Effective implementation of the ITTO-CBD Collaborative Initiative for 2024-2025 as well as increased
partnerships and fundraising activities for its implementation.

IV. Target countries: ITTO member countries
V. Duration & timing: 24 months

ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 36
VI. Budget

Participation of the ITTO Secretariat in the Partnerships
for the Targets 2 & 3 and the High Ambition Coalition (HAC)
Participation of ITTO stakeholders in CDB COP 16
Support for the implementation of the of the ITTO
and CBD for collaborative initiative for 2024-2025
with three regional capacity building workshops
Total:

Strategic Priority(s)•SP 3 (Resilience, Restoration and Conservation)

SAP target(s)•Target 12, Target 16, Target 18

US$ 15,000
US$ 15,000
US$170,000
US$200,000ITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity No. 10
COOPERATION AND CONSULTATION WITH THE CPF, UNFF AND OTHERS
I.

BackgroundAs a founding member of the CPF, ITTO has established, maintained and strengthened cooperation with the
UNFF since its establishment in 2000. Following the Tenth Session of the UNFF held in April 2013, ITTO andother members of the CPF have been called upon to collaborate and make contributions to the follow-up of
the outcomes of the session involving inter-sessional work and preparations leading to the convening of theEleventh Session of the UNFF in New York in 2015.
II. Description
The objective of this activity is to promote and integrate the role of productive forest and trade in major global
processes (UNFF, CPF, UNFCCC, UNCCD, CBD, UN Environment, UNCTAD, GFLR and other initiatives) for
achieving SDG and Global Forest Goals of green and inclusive growth, securing livelihood needs andprotecting national and global public good values. ITTO will generate understanding for the need of investing
into forest resources and landscape to offset the emerging global supply deficit of timber and non-timber
products and to enhance their role in moving towards a circular economy. ITTO will help increase theunderstanding that sustainable forest management and legal and sustainable supply chains will generate
multiple wins for the benefit of people, the environment and climate. Through this activity, ITTO will be able tocollaborate and contribute concretely and meaningfully to the work of the UNFF and CPF as well to otherglobal initiatives by providing relevant inputs, participating proactively in these global fora s as well as tocontributing to the costs of joint activities.
III. Expected outputs
•
•
•
•
•
•

Representation of ITTO at UNFF and CPF events enhanced;
Cooperation and collaboration between ITTO, UNFF and CPF and other relevant initiatives maintained
and strengthened;
ITTO’s outreach, communication and interaction at international and regional levels broadened;
Perspective and importance of the role of sustainable productive tropical forests and associated supply
chains in UNFF and CPF work and activities adequately presented and augmented;
ITTO’s knowledge and awareness of major and emerging forest issues and developments enhanced; andEfficiency and effectiveness of ITTO’s work enhanced and synergized through cooperation andcollaboration.

IV. Target countries

GlobalV. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

Travel for ITTO staff
Travel from producer countries
Consultant Fees
Material/ printing
Total:

US$ 60,000
US$ 40,000
US$ 40,000
US$ 10,000
US$150,000

Expected SAP outcome(s)•••Understanding of productive forests and sustainable supply chains for green and inclusive growth andlivelihood benefits augmented and national and global public goods augmented and reflected in official
statements and declarations
Role of ITTO as a discussion leader recognized
Investments in productive forests and landscapes as well as in legal and sustainable supply chains
increased

SAP indicator(s)•••Decisions and declaration in international fora
Investments finance increased
Volume of legal and sustainably trade timber/non-timber products increased

ITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity No. 11
COLLABORATION ON CRITERIA AND INDICATORS FOR SFM
I. Background
Under ITTC Decisions 5(XXX), 9(XXX), 4(XXXIV), ITTO has collaborated extensively with other C&I processes(e.g. Montreal Process, Pan-European Process, FAO Forest Resource Assessment, etc.) to promote theunderstanding of the role of C&I in contributing to sustainable forest management and the use of this important
tool for forest monitoring reporting and assessment (MAR). This activity will allow for on-going collaboration
with other related forest reporting processes to continue.
II. Description
Funding remaining from previous BWPs has been used to support ITTO’s participation in C&I related events
being organized by the Montreal Process in association with the Asia Pacific Forestry Commission meeting in
October 2023 in Sydney, Australia. Additional funding for this activity will facilitate continued active ITTO
participation in the global dialogue on MAR related to forests, including the CPF Task Force on Streamlining
Forest Reporting, discussions on harmonizing reporting on forests between ITTO’s SFM Tropics and FAO’s
Forest Resources Assessment (including through the Collaborative Forest Resources Questionnaire process),and various relevant meetings and initiatives of other international C&I processes.
III. Expected outputs••

More countries able to effectively report on forests/forest management using the ITTO C&I reporting
format; andITTO concerns and priorities reflected in international initiatives on MAR related to forests.

IV. Target countries

GlobalV. Duration & timing

24 months

VI. Budget

Participation in relevant meetings/initiatives
Total:

US$50,000
US$50,000

Expected SAP outcome(s)•Increase forest area that is managed sustainably and legally harvested

SAP indicator(s)••••ITTO indicators for SFM
Forest area under management plans
Forest area under SFM
Forest area certified

ITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity No. 12
ITTO COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
I.

BackgroundThe draft communication strategy was presented to the Council at its 57th session (Document ITTC(LVII)/16).
The Council welcomed the strategy because it constituted an ambitious plan to improve ITTO’s visibility andmessaging and support its fundraising efforts. The Council noted that additional resources would be needed
for implementation.
II. Description
Implement the communication strategy and its various elements as described in Document ITTC(LVII)/16.
III. Expected outputs
An operational communication strategy which enhances the branding and outreach of ITTO, elevates its rolein the forest dialogue and provides essential thought leadership on policies and practices for sustainable
development through SFM.
IV. Target countries

All members

V. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

Year 1
Year 2

US$170,000
US$170,000

SAP target(s)Adopt and implement a communication and outreach strategy highlighting ITTO’s contributions to global
forest-related goals and commitments.

ITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity No. 13
ITTO TROPICAL FOREST UPDATE (TFU)
I.

Background

The Tropical Forest Update (TFU) newsletter has been produced since 1990 with the aim of promoting theconservation and sustainable development of tropical forests and it’s currently distributed in hard copy toaround 14,000 individuals in more than 160 countries in English, French and Spanish. TFU is also available
online at ITTO’s website 1 and since 2016 on the TFU app 2.
II. Description
The activity will allow for production of up to 4 issues per year of the TFU in ITTO’s three working languages.
III. Expected outputs
Up to eight issues of TFU for the biennium in the three ITTO working languages in hard copy and electronic
versions.
IV. Target countries

GlobalV. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

Printing and posting on TFU app
Layout and design
French and Spanish translation
Consultant fees
Miscellaneous
Total:

US$160,000
US$ 50,000
US$130,000
US$ 45,000
US$ 5,000
US$390,000

SAP target(s)Adopt and implement a communication and outreach strategy highlighting ITTO’s contributions to global
forest-related goals and commitments.

1
2

https://www.itto.int/tropical_forest_update/
Keywords = TFU ITTO

ITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity No. 14(a)PUBLIC RELATIONS, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIESCOMMUNICATIONS ACTIVITIES (WEBSITE, REPORTS, PUBLIC RELATIONS, ETC.)
I.

Background

ITTO’s work produces a wide-range of outputs and impacts, especially in the field which needs to be effectively
and extensively disseminated, to raise awareness of sound SFM practices among members and stakeholders,
while raising the profile of the Organization.
II. Description
ITTO undertakes a range of regular communication and outreach activities to reach a wide audience, includinginter alia, managing the website (e.g. postings, and improvements in functionality and appearance); publishingand disseminating ITTO reports and publications (e.g. annual reports, project and activity reports, newsletters,
TFU articles, news stories and events); producing and disseminating public relations materials (e.g. brochures,
calendars, infographics, pamphlets, posters, videos and photographic images) to convey the work of theOrganization; and other ad hoc initiatives, including in collaboration with other partners.
III. Expected outputs
Regular website and social media posts on the work of the Organization; up to two new policy/technical series
documents published and disseminated; up to 8 TFU issues widely distributed; up to 10 issues of Tropical
Forest News newsletter published and distributed; new brochures, calendars, infographics, pamphlets, posters
and videos produced and disseminated; two annual reports in three languages published and photo databaseenhanced.
IV. Target countries

GlobalV. Duration & timing

24 months

VI. Budget

Website programming fees
Consultant fees (editing, layout and design)
French and Spanish translation
Dissemination and distribution costs
Printing cost
SoftwareTotal:

US$ 50,000
US$ 70,000
US$ 110,000
US$ 115,000
US$ 90,000
US$ 15,000
US$ 450,000

SAP target(s)Adopt and implement a communication and outreach strategy highlighting ITTO’s contributions to global
forest-related goals and commitments.

ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 42
Activity No. 14(b)PUBLIC RELATIONS, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIESOUTREACH ACTIVITIES (BOOTHS AND/OR SIDE EVENTS AT RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL FORA)I.

Background

ITTO raises awareness of its work in promoting the conservation and sustainable management, use and tradeof tropical forest resources by reaching out to targeted stakeholders at relevant international events and fora,
where the Organization can actively participate and exhibit the outputs and impacts of its work.
II. Description
Exhibit the work of ITTO at relevant international events during the biennium [e.g. IUFRO World Congress;
CBD, CITES and UNFCCC COPs; sessions of UNFF; COFO’s], and other fora not covered under other BWP
activities.
III. Expected outputs
Awareness raised on the work of ITTO in up to five international events/fora.
IV. Target countries

GlobalV. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

Fees for booths
Shipping cost
Staffing booths
Assistance to members
Duty travel
Total:

US$ 25,000
US$ 15,000
US$ 50,000
US$ 45,000
US$ 45,000
US$180,000

SAP target(s)Adopt and implement a communication and outreach strategy highlighting ITTO’s contributions to global
forest-related goals and commitments.

ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 43
Activity No. 14(c)PUBLIC RELATIONS, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIESOUTREACH ACTIVITIES (TRANSLATION OF THE ITTO WEBSITE AND
RELEVANT PUBLIC RELATIONS MATERIALS INTO JAPANESE)
I.

Background

Being based in Japan, ITTO undertakes public relations and outreach activities with several audiences in its
host country, requiting proficient use of Japanese language to effectively convey its message.
II. Description
Continue providing comprehensive Japanese-language coverage of ITTO’s work on the ITTO website andother media.
III. Expected outputs
Awareness raised on ITTO’s work to stakeholders in Japan.
IV. Target countries

Japan

V. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

Translation and website posting fees
DesignPrinting
Miscellaneous
Total:

US$ 35,000
US$ 7,000
US$ 6,000
US$ 2,000
US$ 50,000

SAP target(s)Adopt and implement a communication and outreach strategy highlighting ITTO’s contributions to global
forest-related goals and commitments.

ITTC(LIX)/14
Page 44
Activity No. 15
TRADE (TAG) AND CIVIL SOCIETY (CSAG) ADVISORY GROUP INVOLVEMENTI.

Background

Since the formal establishment of the Trade Advisory Group (TAG) and the Civil Society Advisory Group(CSAG) in 1999 and 2002 respectively, ITTO has benefited tremendously from these advisory groups in termsof their advice, expertise, contributions, inputs and participation in the sessions of ITTC and its associatedCommittees as well as in the implementation of ITTO projects, pre-projects and activities. The contributions ofthese advisory groups particularly in the sessions of the ITTC can be further enhanced if adequate participationof representatives of these groups is facilitated and assisted.
II. Description
This activity is aimed at encouraging active and meaningful participation of TAG and CSAG members in thesessions of the ITTC by providing financial support covering duty travel and daily subsistence allowances forselected members to attend the sessions of the ITTC. The selection of the members of TAG and CSAG to beprovided with ITTO financial support will be taken by the Executive Director based on the recommendations
made by the coordinators of TAG and CSAG respectively, taking into account the need for balance between
producers and consumers, and the need to ensure the balanced participation and effectiveness of theseadvisory groups.
III. Expected outputs•••

Adequate and more effective participation of TAG and CSAG members in ITTC Sessions;Improved quality of ITTC decisions and deliberation; andOverall efficiency and effectiveness of ITTC and ITTO enhanced.

IV. Target countries

ITTO member countries

V. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

US$80,000

Expected SAP outcome(s)•••Public institutions, communities and commercial entities have adequate forest management, planning,
policy and business skills needed to implement SFM and engage in international trade
Increase in the awareness of the contribution of SFM to economies
Increase in exchange of experiences, knowledge innovations in SFM, and promotion of trade and timber
processing among members

SAP indicator(s)•Number of stakeholders participating in SFM policy development processes

ITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity No. 16
ITTO ANNUAL MARKET DISCUSSION
I.

Background

The ITTO Annual Market Discussion is an annual forum for international dialogue on a selected theme of theinternational tropical timber trade. The event is important for delegates of ITTO member countries and trade
representatives to discuss and deliberate on germane and often complex trade policy issues confronting
tropical timber and timber products. This strategic policy activity strengthens the event by providing for theengagement of keynote speakers at the event.
II. Description
The theme of the ITTO Annual Market Discussion is selected by the Trade Advisory Group (TAG) in
consultation with the Executive Director during the session of the ITTC preceding the event. The event iscoordinated by the Secretariat and the Trade Advisory Group (TAG), in consultation with other relevant experts
and held in a joint session of the technical committees. Keynote speakers will be selected and invited by the
Executive Director in consultation with the Coordinator of TAG and will be provided with ITTO financial support
to cover duty travel and DSA.
III. Expected outputs•••

Quality of keynote address presented at ITTO Annual Market Discussion enhanced;
Germane issues on international trade in tropical timber identified, ventilated and deliberated upon withappropriate recommendations for ITTO member countries, trade, industry and other relevant
stakeholders; andQuality and relevance of ITTO Annual Market Discussion improved.

IV. Target countries

ITTO member countries, TAG

V. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

US$100,000 (Travel and DSA for 7-9 Speakers per year)

Expected SAP outcome(s)••Information on production of timber and non-timber forest products and trade is accurate and widely
available
Accurate information is used in policy making, forest management, market development & investment
promotion

SAP indicator(s)••Number of ITTO members providing timely, accurate data
Number of countries using information for policy, market development and investment promotion

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Activity No. 17
EXPERT PANEL FOR TECHNICAL APPRAISAL OF PROJECT PROPOSALSI.

Background

The Expert Panel for technical appraisal of project proposals appraises and classifies the proposals received
under the ITTO Project Cycle based on the ‘Revised ITTO System for Technical Appraisal of Project andPre-project Proposals’. The panel is composed of twelve members, divided into six members from producer
countries (two from each sub-region) and six members from consumer countries. The Panel makes
recommendations for adjustments to proposals in order to ensure their technical soundness. Panel members
are nominated for period of two years with the possibility to extend for a third year.
II. Description
As defined the TORs for the Expert Panel, the Panel shall: (i) Assess new Project and Pre-project Proposals
submitted to the organization. The recommendations for amendments to these proposals shall be made by
the Expert Panel exclusively for the purpose of ensuring their technical soundness; (ii) Screen the Project
Proposals for their relevance to ITTO’s Action Plan and Work Programs (in the areas of Economic Informationand Market Intelligence, Reforestation and Forest Management, and Forest Industry), and consistency withITTO decisions and policy guidelines, but not otherwise prioritize them; (iii) Where reformulation involving
major amendments is recommended, request to carry out a final appraisal of the revised versions of Project
and Pre-project Proposals, prior to their presentation to the relevant ITTO Committees; (iv) Report on the
results of the technical assessment of Project and Pre-project Proposals to the submitting governments andto the ITTO Council and Committees, through the ITTO Secretariat; (v) The Expert Panel shall take into
consideration previous Expert Panels’ reports. The Expert Panel, in assessing Projects and Pre-projects, shallalso take into account: their relevance to the objectives of the ITTA, 2006 and the requirement that a Projector Pre-project should contribute to the achievement of one or more of the Agreement objectives; theirenvironmental and social effects; their economic effects; their cost effectiveness; the need to avoid duplicationof efforts; and, if applicable, their relationship and integration with ITTO policy work and their consistency with
the ITTO Strategic Action Plan and relevant ITTO Guidelines.
III. Expected outputs•••

Meetings of the Expert Panel in 2024 and in 2025
Recommendations for amendments to ensure technical soundness of proposals provided to submitting
Governments through the Secretariat
Reports of the Expert Panel on the results of the technical assessment presented to the ITTO Council
and Committees. The Panel may also express technical viewpoints on improving ITTO's procedures forthe development of technically sound projects and the relevance of projects to the ITTO Strategic Action
Plan

IV. Target countries

ITTO member countries

V. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

Year 2024
Year 2025
Total:

Expected SAP outcome(s)•Cross-cutting

SAP indicator(s)•Cross-cutting

US$110,000
US$110,000
US$220,000ITTC(LIX)/14
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Activity No. 18
ITTO FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMMEI.

Background

The ITTO Fellowship programme began in 1989 under PD 60/89(M,F,I) and was replaced by PD 001/93 (M,F,I)
in 1993 which was also subsequently replaced in 1999 by the Freezailah Fellowship Fund through Council
Decision 4(XXVII). As at October 2023, the Programme which began in 1989, has enabled more than 1,400
young and mid-career people from 49 countries working for governments, research institutions, universities,
civil society and the private sector to pursue their professional development and improved their careerprospects. The Fellowships are awarded mainly to nationals of ITTO Producer member countries.
II. Description
The Fellowship programme is geared towards building capacity in the following priority areas:•
Improving the transparency of the tropical timber market;•
Improving marketing and distribution of tropical timber species from sustainably managed sources;•
Improving market access for tropical timber exports from sustainably managed source;•
Securing the tropical timber resource base;•
Improving the tropical timber resource base, including through the application of criteria and indicators forsustainable forest management;•
Enhancing, technical, financial and human capacities to manage the tropical timber resource base;•Promoting increased and further processing of tropical timber from sustainably managed sources;•
Improving marketing and standardization of tropical timber exports; and•Improving efficiency of processing tropical timber from sustainable sources.
III. Expected Outputs
30-40 awards for the two-year period 2024-2025
IV. Target Countries

ITTO producer member countries

V. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

Year 2024 US$200,000
Year 2025 US$200,000
Total :
US$400,000

Expected SAP outcome(s)••••Public institutions, communities and commercial entities have adequate forest management, planning,
policy and business skills needed to implement SFM and engage in international trade
Increase in the awareness of the contribution of SFM to economies
Local communities are informed and able to participate in SFM policy development and related activities
Increase in exchange of experiences, knowledge innovations in SFM, and promotion of trade and timber
processing among members

SAP indicator(s)•••Number of individuals receiving training or education
Number of trained individuals per hectare of forest per country
Number of visitors to ITTO’s website

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Activity No. 19
ITTO MARKET INFORMATION SERVICE (MIS)I.

Background

The Market Information Service (MIS) has been part of the Secretariat’s work since 1996. The main output of
the activity [originally PD 16/93 Rev.3 (M)] is the Tropical Timber Market Report (TTMR). The report contains
price data for about 500 tropical timber products as well as relevant market news from around the globe.
The TTMR is disseminated online, by email and in hardcopy to over 18,000 subscribers.
II. Description
The Market Information Service serves to broaden awareness and disseminate information on the state of thetropical timber market. It is undertaken by a full-time Coordinator, who is responsible for publishing the TTMR
and liaising with eleven market correspondents in producer and consumer countries to obtain up-to-datemarket news, information and prices on tropical timber products. The Market Information Service Coordinatoralso engages with other experts in the trade and works with the Trade Advisory Group (TAG) to convene the
ITTO Annual Market Discussion.
III. Expected Outputs••••

Publication of up to 46 issues of the Tropical Timber Market Report (the number of issues publishedannually will depend on funding availability);Strengthened information base on the market situation for tropical timber products;
Trade experts and associations from around the globe engaged; andCouncil and other members of the public informed about markets for tropical timber products.

IV. Target Countries

GlobalV. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

Correspondents
Coordination
Total:

US$ 250,000
US$ 250,000
US$ 500,000

Expected SAP outcome(s)••Information on tropical forests, production of timber and non-timber forest products and trade is accurate
and widely available
Accurate information is used by ITTO members in policy making, forest management, market
development and investment promotion

SAP indicator(s)•••Number of ITTO members providing timely, accurate data
Coverage and accessibility of ITTO databases
Number of countries using information for policy, market development and investment promotion

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Activity No. 20
ENHANCEMENT OF STATISTICAL WORK AND DATABASES ON STATISTICS
I.

Background

The Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire is the primary data source of ITTO forestry sector statistics and is acollaborative activity undertaken by ITTO, FAO, UNECE and Eurostat. These organizations meet annually toreview datasets of the previous year and determine any improvements that are required, plan the next year’squestionnaire, and make recommendations on changes to international customs classifications for timber
codes. ITTO’s participation ensures that tropical wood products are given the appropriate attention ininternational statistical reporting mechanisms.
Statistical data derived from the Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire is, however, insufficient to provide acomplete analysis of the tropical timber market situation. Additional data and other information are required tocomplete the analysis and to provide a cross check with ITTO derived datasets. A major source of inaccurate
reporting of international data on tropical timber production and trade is the deficiency in usage of accurate
conversion factors, particularly for weight to volume measurements.
II. Description
This strategic policy activity is aimed at:••••

Maintaining the involvement of ITTO staff in the work of the Inter-secretariat Working Group (IWG) on
Forestry Sector Statistics and Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire Process;
Maintaining data subscriptions and maintenance of access to international forest products trade
databases and additional market and trade information;
Participating to international conferences on forest wood products statistic; andReviewing and consolidating tropical wood products conversion factors for determining wood products
production and trade statistics.

III. Expected outputs••

JFSQ process and the accuracy of international statistical data on tropical timber production and trade
improved and enhanced; andRecommendations on appropriate conversion factors formulated and provided to ITTO member countries
in the JFSQ process.

IV. Target countries

ITTO member countries

V. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

IWG participation
Participation to statistical conference
Data subscription
Miscellaneous
Total:

US$20,000
US$10,000
US$ 5,000
US$ 5,000
US$40,000

Expected SAP outcome(s)••Information on tropical forests, production of timber and non-timber forests products and trade is accurate
and widely available
Accurate information is used by ITTO members in policy making, forest management, market
development and investment promotion

SAP indicator(s)•••Number of ITTO members providing timely, accurate data
Coverage and accessibility of ITTO databases
Number of countries using information for policy, market development and investment promotion

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Activity No. 21
BIENNIAL REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF THE WORLD TIMBER SITUATION
I.

Background

ITTO's Biennial Review and Assessment of the World Timber Situation compiles the most up-to-date andreliable international statistics available on global production and trade of timber, with an emphasis on thetropics. It also provides information on trends in forest area, forest management and the economies of ITTO
member countries. The review is based on information submitted by ITTO member countries through the Joint
Forest Sector Questionnaire, supplemented by other sources as necessary.
Under the ITTA, 1994, draft elements were produced by the ITTO Secretariat to assist the International Tropical
Timber Council (ITTC) in undertaking its annual review of the international timber situation. In accordance with
Article 28 of ITTA, 2006, the review and assessment of the international timber situation has been undertaken
biennially beginning with the 2013-2014 biennium.
The ITTC will undertake the biennial review and assessment based on draft elements for the review andassessment of the international timber situation. These draft elements will be prepared by the Secretariat andwill comprise statistics and available data on production, imports and exports of timber products, with emphasison tropical timber products, and an analysis of economic and market developments. The elements for thereview will be mainly based on information extracted from national responses to the
ITTO/UNECE/FAO/EUROSTAT Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire and from other sources.
II. Description
The draft elements of the Biennial Review and Assessment of the World Timber Situation are usually presented
during the first year of the biennium during the Council Session. This allows members to share their commentson the data and analysis presented. The review is then published during the second year of the biennium.
III. Expected outputs••

Draft elements of the Biennial Review and Assessment of the World Timber Situation 2023-2024
considered during the Sixtieth Session of the ITTC in 2024
Biennial Review and Assessment of the World Timber Situation 2023-2024 published in 2025

IV. Target countries

ITTO member countries

V. Duration & timing 24 months
VI. Budget

Consultant
Translation
Country studies
DesignPrinting
Shipping
Miscellaneous
Total:

US$ 50,000
US$ 20,000
US$ 20,000
US$ 10,000
US$ 10,000
US$ 5,000
US$ 5,000
US$120,000

Expected SAP outcome(s)••Information on tropical forests, production of timber and non-timber forest products and trade is accurate
and widely available
Accurate information is used by ITTO members in policy making, forest management, market
development and investment promotion

SAP indicator(s)••Number of ITTO members providing timely, accurate data
Number of countries using information for policy, market development and investment promotion***