IWPA Sits In Windowless Conference Rooms Around The Globe So You Don’t Have To

In early September, the IWPA government affairs staff and I had the privilege of attending the first ever Wildlife and Environmental Crimes Summit hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations branch. The theme of the summit was “Understanding Convergence in Environmental Crime,” namely how environmental crimes are often linked to other financial or drug crimes and that enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad must recognize that fact and work closely with partner agencies on prevention and prosecution.

While it was nothing less than inspiring to hear from dedicated law enforcement professionals about many of the critical cases they have prosecuted and lessons learned, IWPA took the opportunity to remind those in the room not to miss an opportunity to work WITH industry to accomplish shared goals of legality and sustainability, and not to view us as outside this process.

While I will never shy away from an opportunity to remind government officials, including the law enforcement officials at the HSI summit, that our industry deserves a seat at every relevant policymaking table, I am encouraged that many policymaking bodies realize and appreciate the constructive role IWPA is determined to play. I’d much rather be invited to sit down at a table than pull out a chair myself.

As I sit down to write this column, I am preparing to fly halfway around the world for a meeting of the International Tropical Timber Organization’s Global Legal and Sustainable Timber Forum in Macau. This event, and ITTO generally, are focused on promoting the sustainable management and conservation of tropical forests and the expansion and diversification of international trade in tropical timber from sustainably managed and legally harvested forests. I am excited that I have the opportunity to participate in this and other ITTO meetings that bring together policymakers and other stakeholders that are committed to our shared mission.

I have also been pleased to become deeply involved in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) Experts Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade (EGILAT). This group’s mission is to enhance cooperation to address concerns with illegal logging and any kind of trade associated with it, and to promote sustainable forest management and rehabilitation. Since rejoining IWPA as Executive Director in 2022, I have had the privilege of actively participating in EGILAT meetings and discussions around the globe, and share how projects like our Wood Trade Compliance Training advance our association’s commitment to legal sourcing. It has also been fascinating to hear what regulatory agencies around the globe views as top challenges and opportunities, and to share in the amazing education EGILAT has provided on breaking technologies and regulatory scheme updates.

I can confirm that traveling to these far-flung meetings can be draining and full of airline delays, but I am energized by the commitment of colleagues who have dedicated their careers to the sustainable management of global forests. While the conference rooms may lack windows, having a window into the way colleagues and regulatory around the globe think about the industry has been an invaluable addition to IWPA’s strategic direction. We can share information and experience, drive the discussion, and leverage our expertise, all while representing the industry and ensuring enforcement officials know that our industry is proud of what we do and want to ensure the legal and sustainable trade can continue. 

Oh, and like all of you traveling the global to source product for your customers, I come away with some really crazy travel stories. Next time you see me at a tradeshow or at World of Wood in New Orleans next March 26-28th, I’d love to share.