Venue: Institut Confucius, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar

Tropical regions are renowned for the diversity and richness of their forests, which are sources of abundant resources, particularly wood. Tropical forests host a large diversity of wood and timber species. The large species diversity parallels a large variation in properties, such as color, density, hardness, and mechanical stress, offering various opportunities for use. Furthermore, its abundance in tropical regions facilitates accessibility to both urban and rural populations. Wood has long served as a primary material for construction and cooking fuel in tropical countries. However, traditional uses remain prevalent in timber harvesting and processing industries, catering to domestic and global markets, and illegal logging and irrational practices threaten the sustainability of the market.

Extensive reliance on wood leads to high deforestation and illegal logging, which is a major threat to tropical forests. Therefore, developing and propagating practical research is fundamental to harnessing technological advancements and promoting sustainable utilization of tropical forest resources. The primary objective of this conference is to foster the exchange of knowledge and spotlight exemplary practices that align productive utilization with the sustainability of tropical forest resources. The aim is to inspire further research and development that promote harmonious coexistence between meeting human needs and preserving these precious ecosystems. 
Five themes will be addressed at this conference.
1. Tropical wood identification and traceability for sustainable supply chains of forest products
2. Innovations in wood usage in construction across tropical countries
3. Wood energy in the tropical countries
4. Utilization of tropical wood in cultural artifacts
5. Tropical non-timber forest products (NFTPs)
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The conference is scheduled to take place from the 26th to the 28th of August 2024 in Antananarivo, the Capital of Madagascar. It will include invited keynotes, voluntary papers, round-table discussions, and field visits. All presentations will be held live and on-site. The field visit will be organized in Mandraka Community forest, approximately 60 km from the capital. The language of the conference and its publications will be English.

The event is organized by the Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques of the University of Antananarivo, and its partners (Ecole Supérieure Polytechnique Antananarivo, Ecole Supérieure Polytechnique Antsiranana, Institut Supérieur de Technologie Antananarivo, Centre National de Formation des Techniciens Forestiers Angavokely, DP Forês et Biodiversité). This initiative is organized as part of the ForesTIA project, titled "Improving Forest and Timber Engineering Education in Madagascar through Industry-Academia Partnerships". Supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK), this project is an integral component of the HEP SSA program, that aims to ensure that the higher education system in sub-Saharan Africa produces engineers with the skills and knowledge required to meet the needs of industry and tackle local and global challenges. Additionally, the conference is being organized in conjunction with the International Union of Forest Research Organizations IUFRO research group 5.01.00 – Wood and fibre quality.

We look forward to welcoming you in Antananarivo !

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