Call for papers

Participants are invited to focus their contributions to the five major sessions:

1. Tropical wood identification and traceability for sustainable supply chains of forest products

Accurate identification of wood species is essential for selective harvesting. This practice involves targeting specific tree species for logging while leaving others untouched, helping to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance. Moreover, wood identification allows for the tracking and verification of wood products throughout the supply chain. This transparency ensures that products are sourced from legal and sustainable origins. This session aims to highlight the recent progress made in wood identification methods and treaceability and their applications. The session will specifically address five key areas: (1) sharing the latest research findings in tropical wood identification, encompassing a wide range of techniques utilized globally; (2) sharing the latest research findings in tropical traceability; (3) assessing the current research capabilities within tropical countries regarding wood identification methods and traceability, including the availability of equipment and competences; (4) establishing shared databases for wood identification; (5) fostering collaborative networks for enhanced wood identification and traceability efforts; and (6) showcasing practical applications that utilize effective technologies and tools for various wood identification and traceability scenarios.

2. Innovations in wood usage in construction across tropical countries

Wood is widely used in construction throughout tropical countries, particularly in rural areas, but it is often inadequately used. This practice is driven by the availability of raw materials, cultural traditions, technical heritage, ease of construction, comfort, durability, and economic benefits. Although wood offers numerous advantages, it is crucial to address the challenges associated with ensuring sustainable and resilient construction practices in these regions. This session aims to explore four key aspects of the field: (1) designing and engineering wood-based structures that are suitable for addressing challenges specific to tropical climates, such as high humidity, heavy rainfall, decay, and termite prevention; (2) enhancing the long-term durability and performance of wood in tropical climates (wood treatment, preservation, and protection adapted to tropical countries); (3) assessing the environmental impact of wood use in construction; and (4) developing innovative technologies for alternative materials, such as bamboo.

3. Wood energy in the tropical countries: advancing sustainability and livelihoods

Traditional cooking stoves powered by firewood or charcoal are widely used in tropical countries, particularly in households with limited access to modern energy sources. They have low energy efficiency and high fuelwood consumption. To reduce reliance on traditional wood-based fuels, mitigate environmental impacts, and uplift local communities' livelihoods, it is imperative to enhance the technologies and technical skills of households and related industries, and propagate the use of alternative energy. This session will focus on the following key topics: (1) improving carbonization techniques: exploring innovations and improvements in the process of charcoal production, (2) enhancing wood energy conversion processes and combustion technologies: discussing stove designs, gasification systems, thermal efficiency measures, combustion characteristics, emissions reduction, and heat transfer mechanisms, (3) exploring alternative energy source to substitute (completely or partially) the domestic use of fuelwoods (green charcoal, biogas, etc.), (4) improving plantation strategies for wood energy production.

4. Utilization of tropical wood in cultural artifacts

Tropical wood species are valued for their unique characteristics, durability, and aesthetic qualities, making them desirable materials for creating a wide range of cultural artifacts. The utilization of tropical wood in cultural artifacts can also have a significant impact on livelihoods, particularly for artisans, craftsmen, and communities that rely on traditional crafting skills for their economic well-being. This session will concentrate on wood utilization in traditional crafts, musical instruments, traditional tools, and implements, as well as the challenges for its management. The key topics to be discussed are (1) indigenous knowledge related to the selection, preparation, and crafting techniques of tropical wood used in cultural products; (2) identification of sustainable alternatives that serve as substitutes for tropical wood without compromising cultural values, aesthetics, and functionality; and (3) the cultural significance of specific tropical wood species, symbolism, and traditions associated with their use in cultural products.

5. Tropical non-timber forest products (NTFPs): exploring opportunities and advancements

Non-timber forest products are increasingly recognized for their significant contributions to the forest product market. Harvesting and commercializing these products play a vital role in local and national economies, livelihoods, businesses, and nutrition in tropical countries. The valorisation of these NTFPs, creating financial assets for the population, can be an alternative to forest destruction. This session will focus on two key aspects: (1) exploring recent advancements in the innovative processing of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and (2) identifying novel approaches to enhance the production of value-added products derived from non-timber forest resources. The session extends to feature presentations highlighting a diverse range of NTFPs, including essential oils, barks, gums, resins, fruits, and honey, and their applications in various sectors, such as pharmacy, food products, and the chemical industry.

Special issue:

Speakers (both oral and poster presenters) will have the opportunity to submit a full-length manuscript to a special issue of the Bois et Forêts de Tropiques journal, showcasing notable contributions presented during the Conference. 

https://revues.cirad.fr/index.php/BFT

More details here