CITEmadera Lima and World Forest ID have been working together to enhance supply chain transparency in Latin America by expanding collections of geolocated timber reference samples in the region. This initiative focuses on sharing knowledge and performing the critical tasks of collecting, analyzing and storing reference samples, which forms the basis for training World Forest ID’s AI-origin models.
In 2022, World Forest ID launched a substantial project funded by the U.S. Forest Service International Program to broaden the timber reference sample collection throughout Latin America. The objective was to establish comprehensive reference datasets to support governments and stakeholders in independently verifying species identification and the origin of harvested products in forest-connected supply chains. Under the guidance of local researchers and collectors, World Forest ID coordinated collections of timber samples from tropical species across Peru, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. 168 species were collected, including significant origin ranges for high-risk species Cumaru (Dipteryx spp.), Ipe (Handroanthus spp.) and Teak (Tectona spp.).
CITEmadera Lima has been a crucial partner in this endeavor, contributing to species identification by analyzing samples’ chemical fingerprints and housing samples from each collection in its repository. Dedicated to development, innovation, and research in the wood industry, CITEmadera Lima engages in a wide range of activities. These include technical training, research and development projects, and essential services such as product testing and certification. The samples collected allow CITEmadera Lima to build up a botanic collection with the overarching goal of elevating the quality standards of wood products in Peru, and ensuring they originate from responsible sources.
In Peru, home to the second-largest portion of the Amazon Rainforest after Brazil, forestry is essential for rural livelihoods and plays a significant role in the economy. In 2019, timber products alone had an export value of $221.64 million (Forest Trends). Development agencies are important in promoting the responsible management of this sector and advocating for the sourcing of legally and sustainably harvested forest products. This approach helps protect the environment and fosters economic opportunities that benefit local communities.
By housing reference samples in laboratories within the countries where they are collected, World Forest ID is promoting knowledge sharing and supporting the development of local expertise and infrastructure. This approach not only ensures that valuable data remains accessible to researchers and institutions in the region, but also fosters collaboration and information exchange among local scientists, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. This underscores World Forest ID's commitment to strengthening research capabilities globally, recognizing that effective, well-managed data sharing is crucial to tackling deforestation.
As CITEmadera Lima states, “collaboration with World Forest ID constitutes an important initiative to exchange valuable knowledge, experiences and information, with the aim of contributing to the fight against illegal logging at a global level."
CITEmadera Lima and World Forest ID’s partnership highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving transparency in forest connected supply chains. By expanding geolocated timber reference sample collections across Latin America, these organizations promote accountable trade and protect forest habitats.
