IPC 27th Session: Poplars and other fast-growing trees for Cimate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

In a world grappling with urgent challenges, the 27th Session of the International Commission on Poplars and Other Fast-Growing Trees Sustaining People and the Environment (IPC27) will bring together experts under the theme, “Poplars and Other Fast-Growing Trees for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation – Pathways to Climate Resilience and Carbon Neutral Societies.” IPC27 highlights the pivotal role of fast-growing trees in fostering sustainability amidst evolving environmental landscapes.

Fast-growing trees (FGT), trees with a mean annual increment (MAI) of at least 10m³ ha^-1, are part of large, globalized value chains as much as they matter to smallholders and family farmers for their livelihoods, and for the conservation and restoration of ecosystems. Planted forests, accounting for 46 percent of global industrial roundwood demand in 2020, will continue to grow in importance for sustainable wood production and are an important pillar of the bioeconomy. Advancing knowledge and policy on management of FGT is critical for upscale their use for restoration of ecosystems, land management, and increased supply of wood fibre.

Taking place in Bordeaux on October 22-25, 2024, IPC27 marks the first in-person session since the approval of its new strategy. The session will unveil the outcomes of the new Working Parties and convene experts on a range of aspects related to management of fast-growing species. A study trip will take place prior to the session on October 17-20, 2024, and Italy will host a post-study trip on October 27-29, 2024. The IPC Executive Committee will hold its 53rd meeting on October 21st, 2024.