13 November 2013: The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) has released the third edition of the twenty-second volume of its Tropical Forest update, focusing on sustainable tropical forest industries.

The update notes the positive impact that sustainable tropical timber industries can have on local and national economies and highlights the potential contribution of such industries to sustainable development in tropical countries.

The publication also contains articles on the sustainable management of the wood industry in Kalimantan, Indonesia, through the development of a long-term plan and establishment of common objectives for the industry. Similarly, the update notes the need to expand and improve plantation management in Nigeria and around the world if the forestry industry is to be sustained and sustainable.

With regard to conservation, the update describes escalating threats to species in India’s dry forests as well as the need to maintain the genetic diversity of Borneo ironwood. It also notes the importance of traditional knowledge in forest restoration and the establishment of the new Forest and Wildlife Service in Peru.

Finally the update reports on the activities of ITTO fellows, tropical timber market trends, recent publications related to tropical forests and upcoming meetings of relevance. [Publication: ITTO Tropical Forest Update Volume 22 No. 3]