August 2012: The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) has released its Annual Report for 2011, outlining the organization’s activities during the UN International Year of Forests, which was also the 25th anniversary of the establishment of ITTO.

The Annual Report highlights ongoing discussions under the UNFCCC relevant to the ITTO, particularly with regards to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, and the role of conservation, sustainable use of forests and enhancement of carbon stock (REDD+). It also describes ITTO’s work on REDD+, including the Thematic Programme on Reducing Deforestation and Forest Degradation and Enhancing Environmental Services in Tropical Forests (REDDES). In 2011, under the REDDES Thematic Programme, over US$4 million was allocated to support 14 projects in Asia, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa.

The Report further elaborates on successful partnerships with the private sector, specifically 7&i Holdings Co. Ltd. of Japan, which is working with ITTO to support estimations of carbon benefits from REDD+ activities, including investments in agro-forestry and eco-tourism in Indonesia. The report notes that private partnerships were also highlighted through a discussion forum during Forest Day 5 on “opportunities and challenges for investments and financial mechanisms to promote mitigation and adaptation by the private sector.”

The ITTO further reports on support, in partnership with the Government of Japan, for REDD+ Readiness to assess the opportunities and challenges of developing REDD+ projects in Indonesia and Brazil. Overall, the Annual Report emphasizes achievements in strengthening the capacity of ITTO member countries to identify opportunities and challenges and mobilize methods for future implementation of REDD+ programmes. [Publication: ITTO Annual Report 2011]