Kochi: The World Teak Conference, hosted by India for the first time, commenced at the Grand Hyatt Kochi Convention Centre on Thursday. Bringing together experts from 40 countries, the conference aims to discuss sustainable development and address challenges in teak production and marketing.

The theme of this edition is "Sustainable Development of the Global Teak Sector – Adapting to Future Markets and Environments." Experts participating in the conference emphasised that scientific methods and mutual cooperation can help overcome hurdles in teak production.

Speaking at the inauguration, Kerala's Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Rajesh Ravindran, highlighted major challenges facing teak production, including climate change, availability of quality planting material, unscientific afforestation practices, and obstacles in accessing capital and markets. "By adopting scientific approaches and fostering international collaboration, these challenges can be turned into opportunities," he said.

Ravindran cited a project implemented jointly by Germany's Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the International Tropical Timber Organization to strengthen teak production in five countries as an example of successful cooperation. The initiative provided training to small-scale teak producers from various countries and ensured market potential, product quality, and capital availability.

K.B. Singh, Inspector General of Forests with India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was the chief guest. "India has seen both successes and failures in teak cultivation experiments across different locations. Sharing such experiences is crucial to avoid repeating unsuccessful trials," Singh said.

Sheam Satkuru, Executive Director of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) from Japan, stressed the need for discussions on teak production, marketing, and livelihoods of people dependent on this sector during the conference.

The event is being organised by the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, TEAKNET, and the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), Japan.

The conference will cover topics including socio-economic trends, teak genetics, silviculture, technologies, and environmental and trade aspects related to teak. The event is scheduled to conclude on September 20.