Improving fire management is increasingly urgent in the tropics, as shown by recent devastating fires in Borneo, the Amazon and elsewhere. As part of its long-running efforts to assist its member countries, ITTO announces the financing of two new projects—in Indonesia and Peru—aimed at addressing the threat of wildfire through integrated approaches to fire management.

The best results in development are achieved when diverse actors work cooperatively towards a shared vision around environmental sustainability, economic progress and social empowerment. The latest edition of the Tropical Forest Update features stories from ITTO projects that have brought together local authorities, communities, NGOs and enterprises to effect lasting change.

ITTO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) have launched a global survey as part of a joint initiative to advance forest education worldwide. Environmental educators, forestry students and forest-related employers are invited to participate in the survey from 15 July 2020.

A video produced by UNESCO in collaboration with an ITTO project examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Cibodas Biosphere Reserve in West Java, Indonesia. It finds that the pandemic has caused a cut in tourism, thereby affecting livelihoods, but is also accelerating ecological recovery. The ITTO project is helping locals restore the reserve and develop sustainable livelihoods.

A four-day webinar in June to discuss the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for the forest sector heard that a focus on SFM, incentives and governance would boost the recovery of forestry and forest industries and help in seizing new opportunities. ITTO co-organized a technical session during the webinar and participated in a Sustainable Wood for Sustainable World (SW4SW) roundtable.

ITTO and the Soka Gakkai organization have agreed to join forces to support forest landscape restoration in Togo with the aim of empowering women to improve their livelihoods and increase the resilience of local landscapes in the face climate change. Soka Gakkai is a global community-based Buddhist organization that promotes peace, culture and education.