On Saturday, ITTC-35 held its closing Plenary, in which the Council heard reports from Committees, elected new chairs and listened to closing statements. In his closing statement, Chair Bin Che Freezailah (above) expressed hope and optimism for the future of the ITTO, noting that the organization is on the right rack for the future. He underlined that despite the ITTO's successes in terms of, among other things, implementing SFM and establishing C&I, there is still considerable work to be done, noting the issues of tropical deforestation, low levels of certification of tropical forests, poverty, and trade barriers. Freezailah emphasized the needs to balance the rights and responsibilities of consumer and producer country members, to improve the flow of administrative budget and voluntary contributions, and for countries to work together to address illegal logging and trade issues. He said the ITTO has demonstrated its ability and resilience like a deep-rooted tree that can withstand the weather. (Listen to Chair Bin Che Bin Che Freezailah). Photo: ITTC-35 Vice-Chair and ITTC-36 Chair Jan McAlpine and ITTC-35 Chair Bin Che Freezailah after being presented with a gavel made of tropical timber

Anselme Enerunga, Minister of the Environment, Nature Conservation, Water and Forests, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), outlined the extent of natural forests in his country, noting, however, that the forestry sector makes only a minor contribution to the economy. He said that the DRC is committed to improving its forestry sector and that significant reforms in forest governance are underway, focusing on: equitable land distribution based on development, conservation and forestry objectives; a moratorium on new allocations of forest concessions until reforms are completed; tax reforms; and revision of existing forestry contracts to comply with the DRC's new forestry code. He also noted that the DRC plans to increase the amount of its forest-protected areas to 15% of the total national area. Enerunga recommended, inter alia, the use of remote sensing tools to support the conservation of protected areas, encouragement of SFM, and international support.

Malaysia (left) emphasized cooperation and partnership; The EU (right) highlighted the adoption of the Biennial Work Programme and expressed confidence in cooperative development of guidelines for its implementation. He stressed the importance of implementing forestry laws, and said that initiatives such as certification will serve to improve the ITTO's image and stimulate constructive action.