Experts from six West African countries—Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia, and Mali—have been meeting in Lomé since Tuesday, May 13, 2025, to discuss mechanisms for regulating the timber trade and conserving endangered forest species.
The work, led by the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and the Office for the Development and Exploitation of Forests (ODEF), aims to strengthen the issuance of non-detrimental trade findings, which is essential for the sustainable export of tropical timber.
Dr. Pyabalo Alaba, Director General of ODEF, emphasized that “Before we begin, we need to know what is sustainable to exploit. This workshop is crucial to harmonize our practices.” The ultimate goal is to balance trade and conservation.
Foli-Bazi Katari, the Minister in charge of the Environment, attended the opening of the meeting and welcomed national efforts, including securing 14 protected areas, developing 171 community forests, and drafting a law on the management of protected areas, now seen as levers for local development.
