(i) Conduct study on the development and progress in timber procurement policies

The findings, conclusions and recommendations of this study were presented during the 45th session of the International Tropical Timber Council, in November 2009, based on the review of public procurement policies for timber and timber products operational in twelve countries (Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, The Netherlands and United Kingdom). In order to enhance the positive impacts of timber procurement policies (TPP) for public and private sectors, as a tool for the promotion of the sustainable management of natural tropical forests, appropriate recommendations were made for ITTO, Governments in tropical producing countries, Governments in tropical consuming countries and Forestry industry and trade sector. The final report on this issue is available at the ITTO Secretariat upon request (e-mail: itto@itto.int).

(ii) Update the ITTO Guidelines for the Sustainable Management of Natural Tropical Forests and to Field-test the Draft Revised Guidelines in Each of the Three Tropical Regions

For this ITTO policy work Activity, the recruitment of the consultancy team was initiated and the relevant work plan was developed for its implementation and expected completion in 2010.