Survey on know-how and technology needs in the forest industry conducted

Under its Biennial Work Programme for the years 2013-2014, ITTO conducted a survey to identify gaps of know-how and technology in the tropical timber sector, the bridging of which (through outputs of ITTO funded projects) could improve the efficiency of the sector.

Specific objectives of this survey were to:

• Identify the topics of highest regional priority for the timber industries in producers, consumers countries and Other stakeholders,
• Identify candidate countries and topics for the demonstration phase of the Activity to be undertaken in 2014, and
• Strengthen ITTO’s outreach to the tropical timber industry.

 
The responses to the survey indicated that at global level, the topics of major importance for transfer of technology and know-how are:

• Support product development and marketing of value added product, and
• Make knowledge about lesser used timber species (LUS) more available.

 
At the regional level, the topics of major importance for transfer of technology and know-how are:

• Expand training in Reduced Impact Logging (for Central and West Africa), and
• Expand applied research and development on juvenile wood from plantations (for Latin America and the Caribbean).

 
The next steps, for the implementation of the activity will define dissemination instruments and demonstration activities on above mentioned subjects.
 
For further information, please contact carrillo@itto.int