Potential collaboration aimed at sustainably tapping the huge forest resources of Brazil’s largest state, Amazonas, have been discussed at the headquarters of the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO).
Amazonas governor Eduardo Braga and several state officials visited the ITTO’s offices in Yokohama, Japan as part of a bid to attract investment opportunities to the state, which Covers 157 million hectares.
The state is estimated to be 98% covered by healthy forests, with Mr Braga intending to keep deforestation at bay via a green free trade zone which will promote sustainable development through a network of protected areas.
The Brazilian delegation discussed collaboration with ITTO in the areas of community forestry and administration of a planned forest concession system.
ITTO executive director Emmanuel ZeMeka pledged to help the governor realise a programme which helped the state promote sustainable forest development.
Mr Braga will speak at an ITTO event during the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bali on December 8.
