Panama City, 29 October 2025 — Delegates gathered today for the third day of the 61st session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC-61), with discussions centered on progress under the Biennial Work Programme (BWP), cooperation with international and regional partner organizations, and evolving deliberations on the future of the International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA).

Progress under the 2024–2025 Biennial Work Programme

The ITTO Secretariat reported steady progress on the current BWP, which includes 37 activities—21 requiring voluntary or core funding and 16 administrative activities requiring no financing.

So far, USD 5.2 million of the USD 7 million sought in voluntary contributions has been mobilized, with support from members including Germany, the United States, Japan, Canada and Australia, and from non-members such as IPIM (Macao SAR), Soka Gakkai Japan, and private donors.

Field activities showed particularly strong momentum, especially in efforts to strengthen legal and sustainable supply chains—ranging from Global Legal and Sustainable Timber Forum (GLSTF) activities and training on CITES non-detriment findings to initiatives on sustainable teak production, forest fire prevention, and capacity development in SFM, and statistics.

ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru noted that several BWP components were highlighted elsewhere on the agenda, including CSAG and TAG updates, market discussions and expert panel reports.

Fellowship Programme continues to build capacity

Presenting the ITTO Fellowship Programme report, Cassandra Price (Australia) noted that the programme has supported more than 1,400 professionals since 1989, with women representing 40% of beneficiaries. The Panel recommended 20 new fellowships (out of 90 applications) in 2025, totaling USD 136,760.82. 50% of the new fellowships were awarded to female applicants.

Members welcomed the continued impact of the programme, emphasizing its role in strengthening national capacities, advancing gender equality and supporting professional development across tropical regions.

Looking ahead to 2026–2027

The Secretariat introduced the draft BWP for 2026–2027, which builds on the current programme’s activities with no new actions proposed. The activities included in the BWP require USD 2.6 million in voluntary contributions and USD 2.0 million in core costs, totaling USD 4.6 million.

Thematic priorities remain unchanged, encompassing field-oriented activities; normative work; collaboration with FAO, CBD, CPF, UNFF and other partners; communications and outreach; and statistical and analytical work.

Towards a new ITTA

In the absence of Co-Chair Dan Carl (United States), Vaneska Betancourt (Panama) presented progress on the Preparatory Working Group (PWG) established under Article 44 of the ITTA, 2006, on Monday, the first day of Council.

The PWG held three virtual meetings and four regional consultations in 2025. A comparative study by an external consultant reaffirmed ITTO’s unique dual mandate—supporting sustainable use of tropical timber while promoting conservation of tropical forests—setting it apart from other commodity-focused bodies.

The PWG recommended extending its mandate through 2026, requiring financial support. Key issues to be further explored in regional consultations include: scope of a future agreement, membership categories, contributions and voting, agreement duration, and engagement with other international organisations and the private sector. The Council discussed options for implementing the revised roadmap recommended by the PWG, including the possibility of convening an in-person preparatory committee meeting in conjunction with the 62nd ITTC session in 2026 in the interest of cost efficiency for membership. Discussions will continue on this topic during this session following consultations in the producer and consumer caucuses.

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Key outcomes from the Committees

The Committee on Reforestation and Forest Management reviewed completed projects, ongoing work, ex post evaluations, and activities awaiting implementation or funding. Several initiatives were confirmed as completed, including a community forestry programme in Cambodia; two restoration projects in Togo, including a women-led forest landscape restoration project; and mangrove restoration in the Rewa Delta, Fiji. Two ex-post evaluations were presented and offered some key insights.

The Committees on Economics, Statistics and Markets and Forest Industry elected Rata Muda (New Zealand) as the Chairperson, and a delegate of Guatemala, whose name will be announced later, as the Vice-Chairperson for 2026.

The Committee on Finance and Administration approved its report and recommendations for Council consideration and adoption.

ITTC-61 continues in Panama City through 31 October 2025.

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More information on the Council session, including presentations, is available at: https://www.itto.int/ittc-61/presentations

Daily coverage by IISD Reporting Services: https://enb.iisd.org/ittc61-international-tropical-timber-council