プロジェクト・活動情報

Recent years have brought to the fore a plethora of challenges in the wood sector such as climate change induced growth constraints, erosion of the gene pool, emergence of new pests and diseases, difficulties in maintaining legal supply chains and disruptions in the markets through the COVID -19 pandemic leading to wide fluctuations in international prices and demand. India is a net importer of wood and wood products, especially tropical hardwoods like teak. Imports of teak roundwood doubled from about half a million cum in 2009 to slightly more than a million cum in 2019 and India absorbs almost 90 percent of the teak produced worldwide. Hence, disruptions in the international markets would have serious impacts on the domestic markets and allied sectors of this important timber. To meet these emerging challenges and sustain the most important market of teak, the Government of India must focus on sustainable production as well as use of this valuable and highly priced wood. This strategic shift will not only stimulate the national economy but also align with the government's commitment to green growth and sustainable development by elevating the bio-based economy value in this emerging market segment.

Consequently, the project's development objective is centred on enhancing sustainable domestic wood consumption of teak in India. Though research and development has produced important results in recent years in all aspects of teak wood production and markets, there exist serious gaps in knowledge management and dissemination to the stakeholders, as well as professional networking among the stakeholders. The specific goal is to promote the sustainable use of teak wood and wood products within the country, by improving policies related to wood certification, building the capacity of stakeholders, and optimizing timber supply chains. This initiative aims to create a more resilient and self-sustaining wood industry in the country while contributing to broader environmental and economic sustainability goals.