Forest scientists Mark Schulze (left) and Miguel Cruz are about to measure the stem diameter of a big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)at Marajoara, Brazil. The step stool across buttresses at the base of the tree will help. Photo: S. Hirakuri
In 2004, the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) began considering capacity-building efforts to assist countries in implementing the growing number of timber species listings in the CITES Appendices. In early 2005, the CITES Secretariat invited the ITTO Secretariat to collaborate in a joint programme, and the two secretariats worked closely to develop and complete a proposal for donor consideration.