Tuesday, November 11, 2025
On 22 October 2025, experts from Japan and India shared their knowledge on innovative technology in the management of sustainable teak plantations at a webinar organised by the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) in collaboration with Germany’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Regional Identity (BMLEH). The session was part of the ITTO-BMLEH project aimed at improving the livelihoods of smallholder and community-based teak plantations.
This webinar was the fifth in a series dedicated to advancing quality timber production and fostering social and environmental outcomes through the use of modern technologies. The event highlighted the application of genetic adaptation analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) to create more resilient planting strategies and improve the accuracy and efficiency of volume estimation in teak plantations worldwide.
Prof Naoki Tani of the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) delivered a presentation on genomic adaptation in teak trees. This study, which focuses on the relationship between the genetic structure of teak and local climatic conditions, is particularly crucial in the face of climate change. The findings of the study offer valuable insights into how genetic diversity can contribute to the resilience of teak plantations against projected climate shifts.
Tani’s research examined genome-wide sequencing data from teak populations in eight countries, including India, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Indonesia. One of the key findings suggested that the teak population in Malabar, Indonesia, displayed strong genetic resilience due to its high genetic diversity, making it better equipped to withstand future climatic challenges.
By identifying areas with lower genetic offsets, such as central and eastern Java, the study provides actionable information for establishing future-proof teak plantations. This work demonstrates how genetic adaptation analysis can be used as a decision support mechanism for ensuring the sustainability of tropical forestry systems under changing environmental conditions.
Dr Ani A. Elias, from the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)–Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, discussed how artificial intelligence is transforming teak plantation management in India. Specifically, Dr Elias presented a case study conducted in Kerala, where an AI-powered framework was developed to estimate teak plantation volume more efficiently than traditional methods.
Traditional volume estimation techniques are resource-intensive and time-consuming. These methods often rely on ground surveys and require significant manpower. In contrast, the AI-based approach uses field images and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to calculate volume, significantly reducing the time needed for data collection and analysis.
Dr Elias explained that the AI-powered method does not have the same limitations as traditional methods, such as being restricted by the number of trees in the sample plot. This enables faster, more accurate volume estimation, providing data-driven insights that can enhance resource optimisation and planning for timber harvesting.
The webinar emphasised how current and emerging technologies, such as genetic adaptation analysis and AI, can significantly contribute to sustainable forest management. Both technologies aim to increase efficiency, improve accuracy, and reduce environmental impacts in the management of teak plantations.
Dr Mohammed Nurudeen Iddrisu, Director of Trade and Industry at ITTO, spoke on behalf of ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru, highlighting the concept of Earth Intelligence. Earth Intelligence involves integrating various information sources such as Earth Observation, AI, citizen data, and Indigenous knowledge, which can be used for predictive modelling and decision-making to address emerging threats to teak plantations.
Iddrisu noted that these technologies would better support smallholders by improving decision-making, resource management, and forest productivity, thus contributing to long-term sustainability.
The event provided an excellent platform for collaboration and information sharing among experts from different countries. In addition to the insights provided by Prof Tani and Dr Elias, the webinar served as an important opportunity for professionals and stakeholders from the global forestry community to discuss the application of innovative technologies in the management of teak and other valuable timber species.
The ITTO-BMLEH project, titled “Promoting Quality Timber Production in Smallholder and Community-Based Teak and Other Valuable Species Plantations in the Tropics,” aims to foster sustainable practices and improve social and environmental outcomes. Through knowledge-sharing events like this webinar, the project brings together regional and international actors to enhance the resilience and productivity of tropical timber plantations.
The webinar demonstrated that combining genetic adaptation analysis with AI-powered technology could transform how teak plantations are managed. By using these technologies, the industry can develop more resilient planting strategies and improve resource estimation, ensuring better forest health and optimised timber production.
These advancements offer significant benefits for smallholders, community-based forestry systems, and the wider global timber industry, promoting sustainable practices that can help mitigate the challenges posed by climate change.
The use of innovative technologies in sustainable teak plantation management is paving the way for a more efficient and resilient forestry industry. From genomic adaptation analysis to AI-driven volume estimation, these developments are transforming how the forestry sector approaches sustainability.
The ITTO-BMLEH webinar provided a vital platform for knowledge sharing, with experts from Japan and India leading the conversation on how technology can support sustainable forest management. As the series of webinars continues, the integration of these technologies will further support the global efforts to improve timber production, promote environmental responsibility, and enhance livelihoods in smallholder teak plantations.
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Tags: AI in forestry, forest genetics, forest management, genetic adaptation, ITTO-BMLEH, Sustainable teak plantations, woodworking UK
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