ITTO

ITTO, the International Tropical Timber Organization, is an intergovernmental organization created to promote sustainable management of tropical forests and to guide the trade in tropical timber. It serves as a forum for member governments to coordinate policy, share information, and provide technical and financial assistance aimed at improving forest management and market transparency.

The ITTO was established under the International Tropical Timber Agreement (originally adopted in 1983) and began operations to support sustainable forest management and trade in tropical timber. The organization is governed by the International Tropical Timber Council and operates from a Secretariat based in Yokohama, Japan. Member governments and other participants contribute to shaping programs, setting budgets, and directing research and cooperation activities, which are implemented by the Secretariat.

Key activities of ITTO include market analysis and information services, policy research, and the dissemination of reports on tropical timber trade and forest conditions. It supports capacity building, technical assistance, and projects that promote sustainable forest management, responsible sourcing, and certification. ITTO also works to combat illegal logging and to improve governance and transparency in tropical timber trade. The organization collaborates with other international bodies, including FAO and UNEP, to align efforts on forest conservation, sustainable development, and trade policy.

Overall, ITTO functions as a policy and information platform that helps governments, industry, and civil society pursue sustainable forestry practices and informed trade decisions in the tropical timber sector.