Tropical Forest Update
Issue 30 No. 1
Tough climb up for biodiversity
Biodiversity is under immense threat. According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, 1 million species of plants and animals are facing extinction, many within decades, unless action is taken to tackle the drivers of biodiversity loss (IPBES 2019). Moreover, without such action, the rate of species extinction will accelerate.
To some extent, the consequences of this catastrophic loss of biodiversity are unknown, but they are highly unlikely to be good for the planet or us as a species.
Tropical forests are home to an estimated three-quarters of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity and what happens to them, therefore, is crucial. The latest edition of the TFU, presents outcomes of the Joint ITTO–Convention on Biological Diversity Collaborative Initiative for Tropical Forest Biodiversity, which began in 2010. The initiative is helping countries tackle the threats facing tropical forest biodiversity while enabling local people to pursue sustainable livelihoods.
Local man Serukit climbs a tree to collect a specimen as part of an ITTO-funded biodiversity survey in the Pulong Tau National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia. Photo: © P. Chai
Contents
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Editorial
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From the Executive Director
by DieterleConcluding my term at ITTO. -
Vacancy announcement—ITTO Executive Director
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Two organizations and a common goal
by Thompson, Blaser and FeurerThe aim of the ITTO–CBD Collaborative Initiative for Tropical Forest Biodiversity, which has been underway for a decade, is to improve biodiversity conservation in tropical forests. It has had significant success. -
Restoring the Rewa Delta
by Ramulo, Lal and MaEmpowering coastal communities and women is essential for healthy, resilient and productive mangrove forest ecosystems in Fiji. -
Elephants, leopards and livelihoods in Myanmar’s Tanintharyi Range
by Naing Oo, Lwin and MaAn ITTO project has initiated a biodiversity conservation effort in a conflict-beset area near the border with Thailand. -
Introducing ITTO’s new project audit framework
by KawaguchiThe Organization is extending its best-practice financial accounting to project executing agencies. -
Fellowship report
by GutierrezAn ITTO Fellow from 2009 returns with a second Fellowship in 2020 as he further develops his professional trajectory. -
Market trends
by AdamsPent-up demand and huge household savings in Europe could be unleashed in 2021. -
Tropical and topical
by Sato -
Recent editions
by Sato -
Meetings
Local man Serukit climbs a tree to collect a specimen as part of an ITTO-funded biodiversity survey in the Pulong Tau National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia. Photo: © P. Chai
Full edition
The ITTO Tropical Forest Update is published quarterly in English, French and Spanish.
The French and Spanish editions are usually posted about one month after the English.
Content does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of ITTO. ITTO holds the copyright to all photos unless otherwise stated. Articles may be reprinted without charge providing the Tropical Forest Update and author are credited and the editor notified (tfu@itto.int).