International Commission on Poplars and Other Fast-Growing Trees Sustaining People and the Environment

The International Commission on Poplars and Other Fast-Growing Trees Sustaining People and the Environment (IPC) is a treaty-based statutory body placed within the framework of the FAO. Its mission is to reduce poverty and improve ecosystem services worldwide by fostering the sustainable management of fast-growing trees.

Founded in 1947 to restore Europe's ravaged landscapes after the Second World War, today it has 38 Member Nations on five continents. IPC has contributed, for example, to the establishment of outgrower schemes on more than 450,000 hectares in India; and to the Chinese 'Great Green Wall' or Three-North Shelterbelt, which mitigates desertification across a projected 4,500 kilometres of northern China. 

IPC achieves its objectives by facilitation of technical exchange on research and sustainable management of fast-growing forests and trees.

Inaugural FAO Treaty Ceremony 

28 June-4 July 2025

The inaugural FAO Treaty Ceremony will be held during the 44th Session of the FAO Conference (Rome, 28 June-4 July 2025).

On this occasion, interested Members will have the opportunity to deposit instruments of ratification, accession, acceptance, approval or adherence with the FAO Director-General, in person, in relation to the multilateral treaties approved under Article XIV of the FAO Constitution (“Article XIV Treaties”). Media coverage will be ensured for this important moment.

Members considering depositing instruments are encouraged to contact the FAO Legal Office at [email protected] for information and guidance.

IPC 27th Session | 21–25 October 2024

IPC27 in Bordeaux signals action on strategy to broaden species and geographic reach

The 27th Session of the International Commission on Poplars and Other Fast-Growing Trees Sustaining People and the Environment (IPC27) focused on the pivotal role of fast-growing trees in addressing the climate crisis under the theme: “Poplars and other fast-growing trees for climate change mitigation and adaptation: Pathways to climate resilience and carbon-neutral societies.”

IPC27 marked the first in-person Session since the adoption of the new Convention and Strategy and strived to build on its experience on poplars and willows to engage with new species and new geographies. It was the first time that an IPC Session had the participation of Sub-Saharan Africa countries, the Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana, and of the Latin American countries Brazil and Uruguay.

With 133 oral and poster presentations, the technical sessions provided a platform to share cutting-edge research and innovations from countries within and beyond the IPC constituency, including Serbia, Poland, Brazil, and Republic of Congo.

The session also featured pre- and post-study tours in France and Italy, offering participants hands-on insights into innovative practices in managing fast-growing tree resources sustainably in a variety of production systems. Participants also had the opportunity to discuss innovations in wood technology, notably for applications in the building sector, and to visit processing mills. These tours fostered invaluable exchanges and showcased real-world applications of research and policy in forestry management.

Read the report of the 27th Session here.

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