International Forum ATIBT in Dubai (4-6 March 2017)

A 20th edition with an unusual destination, but up to expectations

For the first time since its launch in Rome in 1982, the ATIBT International Forum, which brings together experts from the forest-tropical forest sector every two years in cities around the world, was held in the Middle East, in Dubai. 130 participants took part in the debate on five themes: the future of the tropical forest and its population, training, legality, logistics and the African timber market, from 4 to 6 March, with the official participation of the Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates and Her Excellency Estelle Ondo, Minister of Forest Economy, Fisheries and Environment in Gabon.

ATIBT, along with several of its members, then held a stand at the Dubai WoodShow, with which it was associated to organize the event.

Download :

the press release
the press article of Wood in Architecture MENA
the Forum’s evaluation results
the Report on the Forum ATIBT and the Dubai WoodShow (33 pages), with the presentations downloadable
presentations of the Forum, by clicking on the links below

TECHNICAL FORUM

Opening by Robert Hunink, President of ATIBT

Address by H. E. Mrs Estelle Ondo, Gabon’s Ministry of Forest Economy, Fishing and Environment, in charge of the preservation and sustainable management of ecosystems

SESSION 1 – The future of tropical forest and its population

Theme 1.1 – The new challenges of forest management in Central Africa

Roland Pourtier (Paris 1 Sorbonne University) : Populations and forests in the Congo Basin
Jean-Louis Doucet (Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Liège Université) : To more sustainable logging rules: a synthesis of first operational results of the DynAfFor project
Gijs Breukink (WWF) : Vision of WWF on forest management and IFL

Theme 1.2 – Model of the forest concessions in the Congo basin – Current considerations and debates

Alain Karsenty (Cirad) : The concept of concessions 2.0
Emmanuel Groutel (Wale) : A certain vision of concessions. Assessment of opportunities. OCR Approach
Hervé Bourguignon (Moringa) : Agroforest projects associated with forest concessions

Signing of the Convention of the P3FAC projet between FFEM and ATIBT with Mrs. Aurélie AHMIM RICHARD (Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial – French Facility for Global Environment)

Theme 1.3 – Valuation of related products

Patrick Martin (ATIBT) : Introduction and SATA rules
Vincent Manaut (Cabinet Merlin) : Cogeneration projects in Africa
Alexandre Valette (Science) : Production of charcoal and outlook

SESSION 2 – Training in the timber professions

Christophe du Castel (AFD) : Analysis of the situation. The PARAFE project
Patrick Martin (ATIBT ): Training by professionals
Patrick Charpentier, ENSTIB : The possible support from ENSTIB to vocational timber training in Africa
Pierre-Jean Durel, Forézienne : The sharpening training
Christian Huber (Ecowood) : Vocational diploma training courses in GabonBlandine Ouoguia (GFBC) : Cameroon experience

OFFICIAL FORUM

SESSION 3 – Legality, certification, global warming and responsible purchase of timber

ATIBT FFEM Film « How to preserve tropical forests” (3 min)

Theme 3.1 – Legality

General presentation of FLEGT program and its interest for UAE authorities
- H.E. Juma Al Kait (Deputy Under-Secretary of the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Economy) : The objectives of UAE on the regulation of the timber tradeLucie Berger (European Delegation in Abu Dhabi) : FLEGT Action plan

European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR)
- Ed Pepke (EU FLEGT Facility, European Forest Institute (EFI) – Dovetail Partners, Inc) : Timber trade and FLEGT action plan : impact of the market forces and of the government policies on the trade of tropical timberAndré de Boer (ETTF/STTC) : EUTR : private sector experience
- Marie Vallée (WRI/GFW) : Open Timber Portal : a tool to improve the transparency in the forest sector

Volontary Partnership Agreement (VPA)
- Blandine Ouoguia et Jack Soh Ndeh (GFBC – Forestry Syndicate in Cameroon) : Private sector experience with VPA : traceability project
- Jacqueline Lardit-Van de Pol (ATIBT) : Legality and global warming

Theme 3.2 – Private initiatives for the responsible purchase of timber

Caroline Duhesme (ATIBT) : Comparison of approaches and impacts between FLEGT and certification
Anand Punja/Mathieu Auger Schwartzenberg (FSC) : FSC news, FSC and IFL : a positive evolution ?
Benjamin O Kalu : Low forest management in Nigeria: need of an immediate response by ATIBT and other international development agencies and NGOsFrançoise van de Ven, UFIGA (Forest Syndicate in Gabon) et Rose Ondo (PAFC Gabon): Situation of PAFC Gabon and roadmap for the Congo basin
Anne-Cécile Capel, (ONF international – ONFi) : REDD+ opportunities study for the private sector

SESSION 4 – Logistics, challenges and opportunities

Yann Alix (General Delegate of SEFACIL Foundation) : Current challenges in the logistics and supply chain in tropical timber in the world
Tarik El Farouki (Regional Director Africa of DP World) : Existing infrastructures and services in Dubai region
Stanislas de Saint Louvent (Deputy General Director of Bolloré Ports) : Ports and logistic corridors in Africa
Nicolas Bayol (FRM) : Improving the competitiveness and transport conditions of the timber industry in northern Congo
Didier Raux : Key points of the actual maritime transport

SESSION 5 – African timber market in the world and in particular in the Middle East

Theme 5.1 – Progress report on the ATIBT Marketing Program

Christophe du Castel (AFD) : The objectives of this program
Christine Le Paire (ATIBT) : The ATIBT Marketing Commission
Bertrand Faucon (Stratémark) and Laurent Lagadec (Links) : Presentation of the actions led in 2016 and of the actions planned for 2017 and Fair&Precious brand

Theme 5.2 – Tropical timber trade in the Middle East