See more coverage of this event on the main IISD ENB website

We have launched a new website to better share our reports of global environmental negotiations.

As well as current coverage of new negotiations, you can find our original reports from this event by clicking here.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google Plus

51st Session of the International Tropical Timber Council
and Associated Sessions of the Committees (ITTC-51)

16-21 November 2015 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


Summary Highlights of ITTC-51

Download ENB Summary Report

Report:
Summary

Receive our ENB bulletins and reports by email:

Photo Usage Information
Natural Resources Policy & Practice
Loading...

Receive emailed updates with the news articles above plus related information and announcements from our NATURAL RESOURCES community mailing lists:

Choose Mailing List:
Enter Email Address:
Daily CoverageAbout | 16 Nov | 17 Nov | 18 Nov | 19 Nov | 20 Nov | 21 Nov | Summary
Joint Committee Session from ITTC-50

Joint Council Session at the ITTC-51 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


Joint Committee Session from ITTC-50

From L-R: Steven Johnson, ITTO Secretariat; Manoel Sobral Filho, UNFF Secretariat; Bin Che Yeom Freezailah, Chairperson ITTC-51; Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Plantation Industries & Commodities, Malaysia; Barbara Serwah Asamoah, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Land and Natural Resources of Ghana; Jennifer Conje, Vice-chairperson ITTC-51; Ngole Philip Ngwese, Minister of Forestry and Wildlife of Cameroon and Edmond Collins Ahadome, ITTO Secretariat, take a group photo during the opening session of ITTC-51


Highlights for Saturday, 21 November 2015

The incoming Chairperson, Jennifer Conje, presents a framed gavel to the outgoing Chairperson, Bin Che Yeom Freezailah, during the last day of ITTC-51


On Saturday, ITTC-51 concluded its final day of discussions. Throughout the day, delegates discussed how to proceed with the election of the next ITTO Executive Director (ED). After a second special vote was not able to determine a clear winner between the two candidates, delegates agreed to postpone the decision on the ED selection to the next session of the ITTC in Yokohama, Japan, in November 2016. Delegates agreed on a decision to reopen the ED application process, and to consider a decision on the principle of rotating the ED between a Producer and Consumer ITTO member country.

In the morning, delegates met in separate Producer and Consumer caucus meetings, followed by concurrent sessions of the Committee on Reforestation and Forest Management, and the Committee on Finance and Administration. Delegates then met in a Council session to adopt reports of the committees and decisions on: projects, pre-projects and activities; the informal advisory group; matters related to admission of observers during Council sessions; and the terms of reference for an investigative panel into loss of funds due to failed investments.

The Council also elected Jennifer Conje (US) as Chair of ITTC-52, and Tabi Agyarko (Ghana) as Vice-Chair. Following concluding remarks, ITTC-51 Chair Freezailah closed the meeting at 7:04 pm.

+ IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage from the 51st Session of the International Tropical Timber Council and Associated Sessions of the Committees (ITTC-51). A full summary and brief analysis of ITTC-51 is available in HTML and PDF format.

+ Visit the web coverage for Saturday, 21 November 2015.


Adrian Ngo'o Bitomo, Spokesperson for the Producer Caucus

Marjukka Mähönen, Spokesperson for the Consumer Caucus


 

 


 

 


Nurudeen Iddrisu, Ghana speaks on behalf of the incoming Vice-Chairperson of the ITTC Tabi Agyarko

Jennifer Conje, the incoming Chairperson of ITTC


The Chairperson Bin Che Yeom Freezailah closes the 51st session of the ITTC


Highlights for Friday, 20 November 2015

Thang Hooi Chiew, Cambodia, presents on strengthening the capacity of forest law enforcement and governance in Cambodia


On Friday, ITTC-51 entered its fifth day of discussions. In the morning, delegates met in a Joint Session of the Committees to continue discussions of ex-post project evaluations and ITTO’s application for accreditation to the Green Climate Fund.

This was followed by sessions of the Committee on Reforestation and Forest Management (CRF), the Committee on Finance and Administration (CFA), and the Committee on Economics, Statistics and Markets and the Committee on Forest Industry (CEM-CFI).

At lunch, the Working Group on admission of observers continued its discussions, as well as the CITES Advisory Committee. In the afternoon, Producers and Consumers held separate caucus meetings. Following this, Council met to discuss the selection of the new ITTO Executive Director. Although Council did not achieve consensus, delegates agreed to draft a decision establishing a “principle of rotation” which alternates between a Producer and Consumer member candidate. The Council also discussed the ITTO Fellowship Programme, which provides support for students and young professionals from Producer countries pursuing education and research in forestry and forestry-related trade.

In the evening, the CFA Working Group continued drafting a decision to establish the terms of reference for an investigation into the loss of ITTO funds due to failed investments.

+ IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage from the 51st Session of the International Tropical Timber Council and Associated Sessions of the Committees (ITTC-51). A full summary and brief analysis of ITTC-51 will be available on Tuesday, 24 November 2015.

+ Visit the web coverage for Friday, 20 November 2015.


Jennifer Conje, ITTC-51 Vice-Chairperson

Takeshi Goto, ITTO Secretariat


Nurudeen Iddrisu, Chairperson, CRF

John Leigh, ITTO Secretariat


L-R: Simon Kawaguchi, ITTO Secretariat; Edmond Collins Ahadome, ITTO Secretariat; R.M. Manohar, ITTO Secretariat; Gilbert Kaya, CFA Chairperson and Rob Busink, the Netherlands


 


Highlights for Thursday, 19 November 2015

Hosny El-Lakany, University of British Columbia, presents on a study regarding ITTO's regional presence and representation


On its fourth day, ITTC-51 continued discussions regarding the selection of the new ITTO executive director, with only two candidates remaining: Gerhard Dieterle, Germany, and Eduardo Mansur, Brazil. If consensus remains elusive, this will be put to a vote before the end of this session.

Council also discussed draft ITTO Guidelines on Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women, and a report on the merits of creating ITTO regional offices.

At lunch, the Civil Society Advisory Group (CSAG) held a side event on Forest Governance and Conversion of Forest to Plantations.

In the afternoon, the Committee on Finance and Administration (CFA) discussed the Biennial Administrative Budget and Contributions to the Administrative Budget, while the Committee on Economics, Statistics and Markets and the Committee on Forest Industry (CEM-CFI) met to discuss policy work including market access and forest certification.

An informal working group continued discussions on a decision on admitting observers to ITTC meetings.

+ IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage from the 51st Session of the International Tropical Timber Council and Associated Sessions of the Committees (ITTC-51). A full summary and brief analysis of ITTC-51 will be available on Tuesday, 24 November 2015.

+ Visit the web coverage for Thursday, 20 November 2015.


A view of the plenary session


CFA Chairs consult with the ITTO Secretariat


The Chinese delegation consults during the CFA session



Highlights for Wednesday, 18 November 2015

From L-R: Gerhard Breulmann, ITTO Secretariat; Edmond Collins Ahadome, ITTO Secretariat; Jennifer Conje, ITTC-51 Vice-Chairperson; Bin Che Yeom Freezailah, Chairperson ITTC-51 and Steven Johnson, ITTO Secretariat


On Wednesday, ITTC-51 entered its third day of discussions. In the morning, Council held a vote to select a new Executive Director, but no clear winner emerged. Council then discussed: enhancing cooperation with CITES; the ITTO/CBD Collaborative Initiative to Conserve Tropical Forests; developments within the UNFCCC related to tropical forests; and progress in implementation of the ITTO Thematic Programmes.

At lunch, the ITTO and the EU held a side event on Independent Market Monitoring, a project undertaken to evaluate the impact of the EU’s efforts to exclude imports of illegal timber. This was followed by the Annual Market Discussion, including perspectives from the US, Malaysia, and Myanmar. In the evening, a Working Group met to discuss the admission of observers, as well as meetings of the Committee on Reforestation and Forest Management (CRF); the Committee on Finance and Administration (CFA); and the Committee on Economics, Statistics and Markets and the Committee on Forest Industry (CEM-CFI).

+ IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage from the 51st Session of the International Tropical Timber Council and Associated Sessions of the Committees (ITTC-51). A full summary and brief analysis of ITTC-51 will be available on Tuesday, 24 November 2015.

+ Visit the web coverage for Wednesday, 18 November 2015.


Steven Johnson, ITTO Secretariat

Bin Che Yeom Freezailah, Chairperson ITTC-51


 


Side event: Independent Market Monitoring (IMM)

Rupert Oliver, ITTO Consultant

Bojan Grlaš, European Union

 

Annual Market Discussion

Manoel Sobral Filho, Director, UNFF Secretariat

Barney Chan, Co-Chair, Trade Advisory Group

 


James Gasana, Switzerland presents on strengthening the participation of the private sector in advancing ITTO's objectives.


Cindy Squires, International Wood Products Assocation

Ahmad Shah Mohamad, Malaysia Timber Council

 



Highlights for Tuesday, 17 November 2015


On Tuesday, the fifty-first session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) entered its second day of discussions in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In the morning, the Committee on Reforestation and Forest Management (CRF) and the Committee on Finance and Administration (CFA) met in parallel, followed by the Committee on Economics, Statistics and Markets and the Committee on Forest Industry (CEM-CFI). The CRF discussed, inter alia: policy work and the Biennial Work Programme, new projects and pre-projects, and the use of ITTO Guidelines on the Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests. The CFA discussed the loss of ITTO funds to failed overseas investments. An open-ended working group was formed to discuss this matter further and draft a decision on a course of action, for consideration by the Council. The CEM-CFI discussed new projects, projects that are currently in progress, and completed projects.

Later in the afternoon, the Council met to discuss the admission of observers, and after some discussion it was decided that Bruno Manser Fund would not be admitted. Delegates proceeded to discuss progress on implementing the Biennial Work Programme for 2015-2016, including strategic priorities on promoting good governance, and building human capacity to implement sustainable forest management.

In the evening, a Joint Committee Session was held to discuss ex-post evaluations of projects, including on participatory management of non-timber forest products in Indonesia, and community-based forest fire management in Ghana.

+ IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage from the 51st Session of the International Tropical Timber Council and Associated Sessions of the Committees (ITTC-51). A full summary and brief analysis of ITTC-51 will be available on Tuesday, 24 November 2015.

+ Visit the web coverage for Tuesday, 17 November 2015.


(L-R) Edmond Collins Ahadome, ITTO Secretariat; R.M. Manohar, ITTO Secretariat; Gilbert Kaya, CFA Chairperson; Rob Busink, the Netherlands and Steven Johnson, ITTO Secretariat.


(L-R) Teguh Rahardja, Indonesia; Alicia Grimes, US; Miguel Mendieta, Honduras; and Tetra Yanuariadi, ITTO Secretariat


(L-R) Gerhard Breulmann, ITTO Secretariat; Edmond Collins Ahadome, ITTO Secretariat; Jennifer Conje, ITTC-51 Vice-Chairperson; Bin Che Yeom Freezailah, Chairperson ITTC-51 and Steven Johnson, ITTO Secretariat.


Takeshi Goto, ITTO Secretariat

Jennifer Conje, ITTC-51 Vice-Chairperson


Highlights for day, 16 November 2015

From L-R: Steven Johnson, ITTO Secretariat; Manoel Sobral Filho, UNFF Secretariat; Bin Che Yeom Freezailah, Chairperson ITTC-51; Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Plantation Industries & Commodities, Malaysia; Barbara Serwah Asamoah, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Land and Natural Resources of Ghana; Jennifer Conje, Vice-chairperson ITTC-51; Ngole Philip Ngwese, Minister of Forestry and Wildlife of Cameroon and Edmond Collins Ahadome, ITTO Secretariat take a group photo.


The fifty-first session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC-51), and the Associated Sessions of the four Committees (Finance and Administration; Economics, Statistics and Markets; Forest Industry; and Reforestation and Forest Management) opened on Monday, 16 November 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the morning, delegates heard opening statements from the ITTO Interim Executive Director, the ITTC-51 Chair, the United Nations Forum on Forests, and ministers from Cameroon, Ghana, and Malaysia.

In the morning, the Council addressed organizational matters, including ascertainment of quorum for the meeting, distribution of votes, and adoption of the meeting’s agenda. The Council agreed to postpone discussion of admission of observers, pending the outcome of informal consultations. Council considered the report of the Informal Advisory Group, which includes revelations that US$6 million in ITTO funds had been lost in a failed investment. The IAG recommended that Council draft a decision to establish an investigation into the matter.

In the afternoon, Producers and Consumers met separately, followed by a Council session. Participants considered a report on options for admitting civil society observers to ITTC.

In the evening delegates attended a dinner hosted by the Malaysian Ministry of Plantation Industries.

+ IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage from the 51st Session of the International Tropical Timber Council and Associated Sessions of the Committees (ITTC-51). A full summary and brief analysis of ITTC-51 will be available on Tuesday, 24 November 2015.

+ Visit the web coverage for Monday, 16 November 2015.


Ngole Philip Ngwese, Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, Cameroon

 Bin Che Yeom Freezailah, Chairperson ITTC-51 


Barbara Serwah Asamoah, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Land and Natural Resources, Ghana

Manoel Sobral Filho, Director, UNFF Secretariat


Steven Johnson, ITTO Secretariat

Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Malaysia

 


Earth Negotiation Bulletin team: Backrow (L-R): Herman Njoroge Chege, Vijay Kolinjivadi; Front row (L-R)  Bo-Alex Fredvik, Lynn Finnegan and Peter Wood


Daily Web CoverageAbout | 16 Nov | 17 Nov | 18 Nov | 19 Nov | 20 Nov | 21 Nov | Summary
Funding for coverage of ITTC-51 has been provided by ITTO and the European Union (EU)
ITTO EU