09.10.2026
On 22–23 September 2026, the Global Legal and Sustainable Timber Forum (GLSTF), organised in Macao by ITTO and IPIM, brought together more than 800 participants. Several ATIBT members and partners attended this international gathering dedicated to the future of the timber sector.
Against a backdrop of trade disruptions, changing tariffs and growing regulatory requirements, discussions focused on strengthening the viability of timber supply chains. Digital traceability, blockchain, AI-based wood identification and DNA analysis were among the solutions presented to improve verification of timber legality and origin.
Congo Basin priorities featured prominently in these discussions. Lucas Millet, PAFC/PEFC Congo Basin Coordinator, recalled that traceability has long been established in the region, while stressing the need to advance digital adaptation and anticipate new regulations, including the EUDR. He also called for compliance costs to be shared across the supply chain to avoid marginalising SMEs.
Patrick Epie, FSC Coordinator for the Congo Basin and West Africa, contributed to discussions on green finance. He presented FSC support for certified forestry businesses seeking financing and highlighted the need for financial institutions to better integrate forest certification data into their risk assessments.
Jean Gérard, from CIRAD, presented the latest version of TROPIX, the ITTO-supported tool for characterising tropical timber species.
A strong message emerged from the forum: sustainable tropical forest management remains a priority, identified by participants as essential to addressing current challenges. For ATIBT and its network, these discussions reinforce ongoing efforts to promote timber from sustainably managed forests, support businesses and maintain market access.
