The future of teak - what policy makers and managers need to consider: summary and policy recommendations.
Abstract
This summary and policy recommendations have been developed and formulated on the occasion of a group meeting of 12 experts from 11 countries that was organized and held by IUFRO and FAO in Vienna, Austria, in December 2016. In view of the imminent threat of losing natural teak forests, it is suggested to organize and implement a global programme for the conservation, improvement, development and sustainable use of teak resources. Such Global Teak Support Program (GTSP) would contribute to preserve the native teak resources still existing before they decline further. It would strengthen the understanding and knowledge of teak genetic resources, promote their sustainable use and management and contribute to develop and promote in-situ and ex-situ conservation programmes through development assistance and research collaboration. Thus, GTSP would contribute to the implementation of the Global Plan of Action on Forest Genetic Resources (GPA-FGR) and assist in achieving Goal 15 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: 'Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss'; it would also support all Strategic Goals of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).