Communication to our members

JULY 2015

The latest meeting of the Board of Directors, held on 9 July 2015, took a number of measures looking to strengthen ATIBT’s action. Indeed, the organization of our association must adapt to the challenges our industry is facing as well as to the expectations of all ATIBT stakeholders. In particular, strengthening linkages with African tropical wood industry actors has not progressed as much as would have been desirable. We should also seek to reinforce our procedures, in order to meet donor requirements. Moreover, our organization needs to improve its efficiency and make arrangements to deal with new budget constraints.

The President of the ATIBT Board will thus serve as Chair of the Executive Bureau. It has also been decided to abolish the post of Director General. The lead will from now on be taken by the Executive Bureau. A Delegate General has been appointed and will report to the Bureau.

On behalf of all members, the Board of Directors wishes to thank Director General Dr. Ralph Ridder, for his strong commitment and the vision he brought to our Association. Over the past few years, ATIBT has seen its missions and international representation expand, with Governments joining as members.

In turn, we welcome Emmanuel Groutel, who has been appointed ATIBT Delegate General, as consultant. To make all ATIBT members acquainted with him, I am pleased to redirect you to his CV.

The ATIBT Forum that will be held in Milan from 14 to 16 October 2015, will give a General Assembly of members the opportunity to ratify the above-mentioned decisions.

Sincerely,