ATIBT (Association Technique Internationale des Bois Tropicaux) is leading the "MADERA CERO DEFORESTACIÓN" (Deforestation-Free Wood) project, an innovative partnership under the AL-INVEST Verde program. This initiative aims to strengthen the wood sector in the states of Campeche and Quintana Roo, Mexico, ensuring its adaptation to European market demands and promoting criteria for deforestation-free sustainability.
The states of Campeche and Quintana Roo in the Yucatán Peninsula have dense forests with valuable species for the wood industry. However, the region faces high deforestation rates, primarily due to the expansion of intensive agriculture and livestock farming. Although forest exploitation plays a key role in maintaining traditional communities, the sector is challenged by an unorganized production structure where 98% of forest ejidos (communal land) sell wood in rolls with little added value. The implementation of the new EU Deforestation Regulation (UE 2023/1115) presents a major challenge for European importers and an opportunity to modernize the local production fabric, ensuring sustainable practices and the preservation of a valuable ecosystem.
The project is proposed to strengthen the economic and social fabric based on wood exploitation, adapting it to new legislative requirements and promoting higher value-added products. The core challenges to be addressed include the governance of the ejidos, their capacity for change and technological investment, and the pressures from other land uses. By fostering an early and practical application of the EU Deforestation Regulation, the project aims to:
Expected Results
ATIBT's Role
ATIBT is the lead applicant and plays a central role in the coordination, planning, and execution of the action. Key responsibilities include :
Location : The action will mainly take place in Mexico, specifically in the wood-producing municipalities of the states of Campeche and Quintana Roo.
Duration : 24 months (end april 2026)
Funding : 339 159,83
