A new publication by ITTO, FAO and the UN Economic Commission for Europe provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive set of conversion factors in forestry. Conversion factors are used primarily for measuring the efficiency and technical progress of forest industries, and this publication will support the work of analysts, policymakers, forest practitioners and manufacturers worldwide.

Tropical forests cover a small fraction of the Earth but are estimated to harbour more than half its terrestrial plant and animal species. ITTO develops policies and funds projects to conserve this rich biodiversity while also improving the well-being of forest-dependent people. Read on to learn about the Organization’s efforts in Benin’s sacred forests and Indonesia’s Cibodas Biosphere Reserve.

Smallholder teak plantations have the potential to be a driver of sustainable development in the lower Mekong by improving the livelihoods and landscapes of rural communities. Knowhow, high-quality planting material and a little financial support are keys for realizing such potential, according to participants at a meeting on teak held in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in February.

In a new video produced as part of an ITTO project in the Chimbo River basin, Ecuador, local women speak about their involvement in the project and how it is empowering them to improve their lives while helping restore the degraded river basin.

The international community is increasingly recognizing the important role that tropical forests and forest products play in the fight against climate change, while providing much-needed materials and enabling rural communities to achieve economic development. Fast-tracking this role will require a renewed effort at all scales and from all actors—and the international community can lead the way.

Fourteen fellowships were awarded by the International Tropical Timber Organization at the 55^th Session of International Tropical Timber Council. The newest group of fellows represents 9 different producer member countries and includes 4 female fellows.  The total amount of the fellowships was US$97,666.40.