At the Global Summit on Advancing Forest-Based Bioeconomy Approaches held in Vienna, Austria, from February 23-25, 2026, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) stressed the importance of sustainable forest management (SFM) to foster the development of the forest-based bioeconomy. ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru, in her keynote address, outlined several crucial priorities for advancing this bioeconomy. These included stronger governance, clearer land rights, increased investment, and enhanced inclusivity.
The summit, convened under the Country and Organization-Led Initiative (COLI) of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), gathered over 400 participants from governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, business, and Indigenous Peoples. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights and develop strategies to effectively advance forest-based bioeconomic activities.
During a thematic session titled “Forest Potentials Beyond Wood,” experts, including Ms Satkuru, discussed the growing economic, social, and ecological opportunities presented by forest products other than timber. While timber has traditionally been the focus, Satkuru emphasized that SFM is the foundation for diversifying wood and non-wood products. She explained that a strong focus on SFM would help unlock new forest-based bioeconomy activities, contributing to the growth of businesses and improving livelihoods.
ITTO’s Commitment to SFM and Forest Products Diversification
ITTO’s mandate, guided by the International Tropical Timber Agreement (2006), promotes the sustainable trade of forest products. With nearly 1,400 field projects completed over four decades, ITTO has focused on advancing SFM globally. These projects have contributed to improved forest governance and increased community involvement in sustainable practices, particularly in tropical regions.
Satkuru pointed out that although the organisation’s name centres on timber, ITTO’s dual mandate also strongly emphasises the need for SFM. She highlighted that SFM is a prerequisite for the successful diversification of forest products, both timber and non-timber. She stressed that as forests face increasing pressures from climate change and human activity, the implementation of effective SFM practices is crucial to building a sustainable and inclusive bioeconomy.
Governance Gaps and Enforcement Challenges
During her speech, Ms Satkuru identified several key challenges in the forest-based bioeconomy. One of the most pressing concerns was governance gaps. While empowering local communities is crucial for the success of forest-based bioeconomies, she emphasised that the actual enforcement of forestry regulations by governments is essential to preventing illegal activities like deforestation and forest encroachment.
A case from Malaysia was cited, where illegal harvesting of Aquilaria (agarwood) has become a major issue. The high demand for agarwood in the fragrance industry has led to over-exploitation, and effective enforcement is needed to curb this illegal activity. Ms Satkuru also highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation to tackle smuggling and illegal logging.
Data Gaps in Non-Timber Forest Products
Another challenge mentioned was the lack of credible data on non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Accurate data is crucial for understanding the economic value and contributions of these products to the bioeconomy. Satkuru shared examples of ITTO field projects that have contributed to filling this data gap. In Mexico, a project documented the ancestral knowledge of over 100 medicinal plants in the Yucatán Peninsula. This knowledge supports both health and cosmetic industries and helps empower local communities engaged in sustainable apiculture.
In Benin and Togo, women’s groups have gained financial independence through agroforestry systems that combine cocoa and coffee cultivation under forest canopies, alongside reforestation efforts using native species. These initiatives not only boost local economies but also improve the environmental health of the region.
Forest Tenure Systems and Land Rights
Satkuru also addressed the issue of tenure systems, noting that secure land tenure is essential for sustainable forest management. In many tropical countries, forests are state-owned, but systems such as those in Malaysia and Indonesia, where secure user rights are granted to local communities, have shown positive results. These systems allow communities to use forest resources responsibly while reducing the risk of forest degradation.
Engaging the Corporate Sector and Financing the Bioeconomy
Ms Satkuru called for deeper engagement with the corporate and finance sectors to build the value chains necessary to accelerate the forest-based bioeconomy. She stressed the importance of involving financiers, the donor community, and industries such as perfume and cosmetics, which rely on non-timber forest products like agarwood, essential oils, and resins.
A strong collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to unlock the full potential of the forest-based bioeconomy. These partnerships can support sustainable forest management and provide the necessary investment to develop value chains that can boost both local and global markets.
Global Perspectives on Forest-Based Bioeconomy
The summit also featured insights from speakers from Ecuador, China, and New Zealand, who shared their national approaches to advancing forest-based bioeconomies. They discussed governance reforms, the development of value chains, and innovative market mechanisms that are helping their countries unlock the full potential of forest products beyond timber.
Participants also discussed challenges in data collection, natural capital accounting, and policy integration, which remain significant obstacles to advancing the forest-based bioeconomy. Experts noted that much of the consumption and trade of non-timber forest products occurs informally, which makes it difficult to collect accurate data and integrate these products into national economic accounts.
The ITTO’s contributions at the Global Summit highlighted the critical role of sustainable forest management in advancing the forest-based bioeconomy. The summit discussions underscored the importance of strengthening governance, securing land rights, and improving data collection to unlock the economic, social, and ecological benefits of forests. The way forward requires strong collaboration across sectors, including government, business, and finance, to build sustainable value chains and boost the global forest-based bioeconomy.
Read more news on Forestry
Stay updated, follow us on Linkedin.
