5th World Teak Conference: ITTO urges cooperation, smallholder support to boost teak sector

ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru addresses delegates during the Inaugural Session of the 5th World Teak Conference taking place in Kerala, India on 17 September 2025. © Kerala Forest Research Institute

ITTO called for deeper exchange of knowledge and stronger partnerships to boost the sustainable teak sector, highlighting the example of teak heavyweight India, as stakeholders gathered for the 5^th World Teak Conference.

The conference takes place on 17–20 September 2025 in Kochi, a city in the Indian state of Kerala. Co-organized by ITTO, the event is hosted by the Kerala Forest Research Institute and coordinated by the International Teak Information Network (TEAKNET) India.

Structured around the theme of “Sustainable development of the global teak sector—adapting to future markets and environments”, the conference includes sessions on topics including market developments, legal supply chains, teak genetics, management models, and forest landscape restoration.

Delegates from 41 countries across and beyond the tropics are attending, including teak growers, traders, researchers, policymakers, and development partners

ITTO has an established track record of support for projects to advance the sustainable production of teak, one of the world’s most valuable timber species, ranging from genetic improvement and silviculture to processing and market transparency.

In remarks at the opening session, ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru pointed out the symbolism of staging the conference close to Nilambur, a town in Kerala State that is home to the world’s oldest teak plantation, and in India, the world’s largest consumer and importer of teak.

Teak is woven into India’s cultural heritage, architecture, and craftsmanship, while also symbolizing innovation and enterprise.

“Teak is more than a tree. It is a bridge between people, prosperity, and the environment,” Ms Satkuru said. “Let us work together to ensure that this remarkable species continues to provide ecological, economic, and sociocultural benefits for all.”

Teak provides opportunities to improve the livelihoods of millions of people, contributes to carbon storage and climate resilience, enriches biodiversity, and directly contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global climate goals, she said.

At the same time, the teak sector faces numerous challenges, including climate change, the need for high-quality planting materials, unsustainable practices, farmers’ perception, and barriers to market access and finance. 

“ITTO believes that these challenges can be transformed into opportunities through science, responsible trade, and collaboration,” Ms Satkuru said, pointing to the example of a multi-year programme implemented by ITTO and supported by the Government of Germany to strengthen the capacities of smallholder teak producers in five countries.

“Over the coming days, I encourage all of us to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and explore how we can strengthen support for smallholders, ensure legal and transparent trade, and prepare the teak sector to meet the challenges of a changing climate,” she said. “India, with its history, expertise, and leadership, is uniquely positioned to guide this sector towards a sustainable and prosperous future.”