IRSG and FTA collaborate

The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) and the Forests, Trees and Agroforestry research program of the CGIAR (FTA) led by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) have decided to collaborate on issues related to the sustainability of natural rubber production in order to support sustainable development of the natural rubber economy.

The two organizations signed a Letter of Intent establishing a collaboration to mobilize the work conducted in both organizations to work jointly on all dimensions of sustainability in relation to the rubber economy. These activities could lead to joint proposals for resource mobilization to support countries and actors.

“This is a very important collaboration for IRSG –said Salvatore Pinizzotto, IRSG Secretary General -as it will give us the opportunity to further develop activities that could be of support for the IRSG sustainability agenda that has been unveiled by the organisation in March 2019”.

“As the latest World Rubber Summit organized by IRSG last March has shown, the rubber sector is at a turning point, and is now quite conscious of the need to embrace a more sustainable future. A program like FTA can support the sector and its stakeholders with evidence-based solutions towards sustainability. We’re glad to cooperate with IRSG for this”, said Vincent Gitz, CIFOR and FTA Director.

The FTA program is the world’s largest research for development programme focusing on the role of forests, trees and agroforestry about sustainable development, food security and the fight against climate change.