Kuala Lumpur hosts Asia-Pacific training on CITES non-detriment findings for timber species

An ITTO regional training and capacity-building workshop focused on applying the latest CITES non-detriment findings 9-step methodology through a combination of technical sessions, working groups, and case studies. © ITTO

The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) organized a regional training and capacity-building workshop to strengthen capacity in conducting CITES non-detriment findings (NDFs) for timber species listed in Appendix II. With the support of Malaysia’s Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), the workshop brought together officials from seven ITTO Asia-Pacific member countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam, and participants from the private sector.

The training focused on applying the latest 9-step NDF methodology, equipping participants from CITES Scientific and Management Authorities, forestry agencies and the private sector with practical tools to assess whether international trade in listed timber species is sustainable and does not threaten their survival in the wild. Through a combination of technical sessions, working groups, and case studies, participants developed the basis for NDFs using Afzelia bella as a case study, while also exchanging national experiences and challenges.

In his opening message, ITTO Director for Trade and Industry, Mohammed Nurudeen Iddrisu, underscored the importance of collaboration and capacity-building to ensure sustainable timber trade. “Your presence here is a strong demonstration of your shared commitment to ensuring sustainable forest management and legal, traceable, and sustainable trade of timber species, especially those that are listed under Appendix II of CITES regulations,” Dr Iddrisu said, encouraging participants to actively engage in learning and knowledge exchange.

Welcoming the participants, Dato' Razali bin Mohamad, Deputy Secretary-General of KPK, conveyed that hosting this workshop shows Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable and legal timber trade under, amongst others, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The session underscored the importance of NDFs as a scientific basis for ensuring that international trade does not threaten the survival of listed species while supporting economic development.

The workshop builds on recent global developments, including discussions at the 20th meeting of the CITES Conference of the Parties, where several tropical timber species were reviewed for listing. These developments highlight the growing need for robust, science-based NDFs to guide decision-making and support compliance with international regulations while facilitating trade in the respective species.

Facilitated by experts from TRAFFIC and the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), the training emphasized practical application of the NDF framework, including data collection, risk assessment and management recommendations. Participants also explored country-specific challenges in implementing the nine-step approach, reinforcing the value of regional cooperation.

Delivering closing remarks, ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between CITES Scientific Authorities, Management Authorities and all stakeholders. “Sustained cooperation between Scientific and Management Authorities is essential to effectively address CITES-related matters and to support legal and sustainable timber trade in order to ensure the longevity of sustainably managed forest resources and products derived from it,” she said. 

She noted that the Kuala Lumpur workshop marked the final of three NDF training sessions organized by the ITTO across producer member regions over the past 12 months, adding that “ITTO will continue to seek funding opportunities to further support its member countries in strengthening capacity in this area.” She also expressed appreciation to the NDF expert team for their contributions across all three workshops and thanked participants for their active engagement throughout the week.

The workshop will be followed by a Trade and Markets Day on April 24, bringing together public and private sector stakeholders to discuss emerging issues such as evolving market regulations, timber traceability technologies and the outlook for the global timber supply.