ITTO Executive Director's mission to Costa Rica to enhance collaboration on sustainable forest management

Since 2023, Costa Rica has been advancing the implementation of projects supported by ITTO—marking a milestone after nearly a decade of diplomatic and technical engagement. This enhanced collaboration is driving the first-ever implementation of country-led initiatives with international funding aimed at enhancing forest governance and reinforcing the country’s sustainable forest economy. © Juan Fonseca/ITTO

The Executive Director of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), Sheam Satkuru, undertook an official mission to Costa Rica this week as part of a high-level mission to strengthen ties on sustainable forest management and timber production chains.

Since 2023, Costa Rica has been advancing the implementation of projects supported by ITTO—marking a milestone after nearly a decade of diplomatic and technical engagement. This enhanced collaboration is driving the first-ever implementation of country-led initiatives with international funding aimed at enhancing forest governance and reinforcing the country’s sustainable forest economy.

According to the National Forestry Office, Costa Rica’s forest sector currently generates about 24,000 direct jobs and contributes approximately USD 293 million in timber and related product exports annually. These figures underscore the forest sector’s crucial role in the national economy and in enhancing rural livelihoods.

Ms Satkuru met with partners from the Chamber of Forestry, Wood and Industry (CFMI), the Institute of Technology of Costa Rica (TEC), and the San Carlos Forest Development Commission (CODEFORSA) to review progress on ITTO-supported projects that aim to strengthen the forest value chain and promote commercial reforestation as a strategy for sustainable rural development.

“For CFMI, this mission by ITTO’s Executive Director shows recognition of Costa Rica’s efforts to consolidate a responsible, competitive forest sector committed to rural development,” said Natalia Chacón, Executive Director of CFMI.

The agenda focused on key initiatives, including efforts to strengthen the forest sector value chain through sustainable forest management and harvesting, increase competitiveness in commercial reforestation, and promote sustainable forest management and local wood consumption through capacity building and improved regulations in the northern region of the country. Value-adding is gaining support in Costa Rica, as are moves to advocate more use of wood in construction. Together, these initiatives foster investment, create employment and income opportunities in vulnerable rural areas, and enhance the responsible use of production forests.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and ITTO’s national focal point, who underscored Costa Rica’s reputation as a global model of forest governance.

As part of the mission, Ms Satkuru also undertook a technical tour of the northern region, visiting sites in Sarapiquí and San Carlos to observe reforestation and forest restoration activities implemented in collaboration with local communities.

Reflecting on the visit, Ms Satkuru said, “Costa Rica continues to demonstrate that sustainable forest management is not only an environmental imperative but also a powerful driver of inclusive economic growth, contributing to the bioeconomy and SDGs. ITTO is proud to support the country’s efforts to strengthen forest governance, empower local communities, and expand sustainable value chains that benefit people and forests alike while respecting conservation best practices.”