The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), recently hosted an important workshop aimed at strengthening the reporting of timber production and trade statistics in Latin America. The event, held in Lima, Peru, from June 24-27 2025, was attended by representatives from 13 countries. These nations, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, collectively export around USD 7 billion annually in primary and secondary forest products.
Enhancing the Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JFSQ)
This workshop was part of a broader effort to improve the quality of data reported through the Joint Forest Sector Questionnaire (JFSQ), an initiative led by ITTO. The JFSQ gathers vital statistics on timber production and trade, supporting global forest management policies and trade practices. The questionnaire, which includes internationally agreed-upon definitions of forest products, is also backed by other international entities like the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and Eurostat.
ITTO’s statistical reports, which include data collected through the JFSQ, form the basis of publications such as Tropical Timber Trends. These reports help policymakers make informed decisions regarding sustainable forest management and trade practices in the timber sector. During the workshop, experts from ITTO and FAO addressed several issues, including discrepancies in bilateral trade volumes and inconsistencies in data submissions. They provided clear guidance on how to fill out the JFSQ correctly, emphasising the importance of uniform definitions of wood products to ensure consistency across countries.
Addressing Key Challenges in Data Collection
One of the major points of discussion during the workshop was the challenges faced by these countries in submitting accurate and consistent data. Issues highlighted included the lack of centralised information systems, limited trust in the forest sector regarding data sharing, imprecise species identification, and constraints in financial and technical resources. Despite these challenges, the country representatives expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in discussions, exploring ways to overcome these obstacles collectively.
ITTO’s Commitment to Global Forest Transparency
ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru underscored the importance of reliable forest data, stating, “Reliable forest data is essential for informed decision-making and international transparency.” She further added, “The ITTO is proud to support Latin American countries through this workshop, to strengthen their capacity to produce and report high-quality forestry and timber industry statistics. Building this foundation ensures that national policies are grounded in evidence and that countries can effectively contribute to global forest-related goals.”
ITTO’s Role in Promoting Sustainable Timber Trade
The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) has long been a leader in promoting sustainable forest management practices and expanding the international trade of tropical timber sourced from sustainably managed forests. The organisation’s efforts also include assisting member countries in adapting global guidelines and norms to their local needs, through various projects and field activities. Over the past 30 years, ITTO has supported more than 1,300 projects addressing issues such as illegal logging, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation.
Moreover, ITTO plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable tropical timber supply chains, focusing on enhancing market transparency and strengthening governance frameworks within the forest sector. The organisation’s membership spans nearly 90% of global tropical timber trade and represents over 80% of the world’s tropical forests. By fostering improved data collection and trade practices, ITTO helps ensure that these forests are managed sustainably and that timber products contribute to a global market focused on long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
Strengthening Latin America’s Timber Data Reporting
The workshop in Lima marks a significant step towards improving the coordination of timber trade data among Latin American countries. By enhancing the quality of this data, these nations can better align with international forest-related policies, contribute to global sustainability goals, and ensure the responsible trade of tropical timber. The efforts of ITTO and FAO in facilitating this workshop reflect a broader commitment to promoting transparency and supporting sustainable forestry practices in the region.
Overcoming Obstacles for Sustainable Forest Management
As Latin American countries continue to face challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental preservation, the collaboration between ITTO, FAO, and national forestry authorities plays a critical role in advancing these objectives. The workshop not only provided technical guidance but also offered a platform for stakeholders to share insights and experiences, ensuring that the region’s timber trade is managed in a sustainable, transparent, and informed manner.
With continued support from organisations like ITTO and FAO, Latin America’s timber sector stands poised to strengthen its role in the global market while contributing to the sustainable management of tropical forests. This workshop highlights the importance of transparent and consistent data in achieving global sustainability goals and underscores the critical role of international cooperation in fostering responsible forest management practices.
Read more news on ITTO, Timber , Forestry , Sustainability
Read more woodworking news, follow LinkedIn.
