2 December 2024, Yokohama, Japan:  The Chair of the International Tropical Timber Council, Anna Tyler from New Zealand, has encouraged ITTO members to present a united front during the 60th session of the Council, which started here today, and to focus on the crucial importance of sustainably managed tropical forests and the role ITTO can play.

Ms Tyler pointed out that many Council delegates are also involved in conferences of the parties to the biodiversity and climate-change conventions, which are highlighting ever-increasing pressures and challenges on biodiversity, natural resources and the environment.

“Those pressures, and increasing political tensions globally, highlight the need, but also the opportunity, for us to come together here around our common purpose,” Ms Tyler said.“The crucial role of tropical forests in ensuring a sustainable future is undeniable. But if we are to seize the opportunities ahead of us, we need a strong organization. So that is my challenge for you for this session: let us focus on our common interests and shared purpose, as we shape and take forward the work of this organization together.”

The International Tropical Timber Council, ITTO’s governing body, meets once a year to discuss a wide-ranging agenda aimed at promoting sustainable tropical forest management and the trade of sustainably produced tropical timber. About 180 delegates and observers are attending the session.

Ms Tyler’s remarks during the opening were echoed by State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, Mr Takinami Hirofumi.

“To achieve the goal of halting and reversing forest loss and land degradation by 2030 set out in the 2021 Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use, requires innovation that contributes to the sustainable use of forests and further cooperation within the international community,” he said.

“In this situation, ITTO … is expected to play an even more important role now and in the future as the only international organization responsible for the sustainable management of tropical forests and the legal use of tropical timber.”Mr Takinami said Japan has been supporting ITTO projects that contribute to the creation and dissemination of innovations in the forestry and timber sectors.

“We would like to continue to take the lead in supporting ITTO’s efforts and contribute to the realization of sustainable forest management and timber use in member countries,” he said.

Mr Yamanaka Takeharu, Mayor of Yokohama City, told delegates that ITTO and the City of Yokohama have worked closely together for more than 30 years, a relationship that “is extremely valuable to the City of Yokohama”.Mr Yamanaka told delegates of initiatives the City of Yokohama is undertaking to create a sustainable and greener society aimed at achieving a net-zero, nature-positive and circular economy, including by promoting timber use.

Mr Jorge Rodriguez Zuniga, Vice-minister of the Environment in Costa Rica, said climate change and biodiversity loss require a collective response based on international cooperation and responsible trade.

“ITTO is a key partner in this effort, and together we can ensure that tropical forests continue to be a source of life, employment and wellbeing for present and future generations,” he said.Mr Rodriguez described Costa Rica’s efforts to address deforestation and protect its biodiversity since the end of the last century and invited ITTO members to strengthen their commitment to good practices to ensure that international trade in tropical timber becomes a driver of sustainability and equitable development.

Mr Haji Len Talif Salleh, Deputy State Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment in Sarawak, Malaysia, outlined the support ITTO has provided to Sarawak over more than 30 years in its efforts towards sustainable forest management and sustainable development. He described initiatives the government is undertaking to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, promote sustainability and diversity its economy towards carbon neutrality.

H.E. Mr Roberto Seminario Portocarrero, Ambassador of Peru to Japan, outlined Peru’s historical involvement in ITTO and the value of the Organization in supporting Peru’s efforts on sustainable forestry.

“We are convinced of the valuable work that ITTO has been doing, financing projects that prioritize sustainable forest management and the promotion of legal and sustainable supply chains,” Mr Seminario said. He reaffirmed Peru’s commitment to contributing to the actions needed to strengthen ITTO and meet its objectives.

In her statement to the Council, ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru said the Organization continued to strive towards its objectives.

“A lot has been achieved in the last 38 years, but there is still a lot more that can be done,” she said. “It is only together that this will happen. We need to tackle the problems together and stand as one.”

Ms Satkuru informed the Council of her willingness to serve beyond her initial term, which ends in early 2026.“We have achieved a lot, but we have a lot more to pursue,” Ms Satkuru said. “I want to clearly indicate the energy I still have, the drive I still have. I want to lead the Organization through these difficult times.”

The Council tackled several other agenda items on day 1. One of these was on matters pertaining to the negotiation of a new International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA), with the Council receiving a report from the Preparatory Working Group, including recommendations on the modalities of a process for reviewing implementation of the ITTA, 2006. This agenda item will be further discussed later in the session.

Agenda items 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 were completed. The Committee on Finance and Administration and the Joint Committee on Trade and Industry convened in the afternoon.