The timber and wood industry is a key part of Ghana’s economy, supporting livelihoods, driving construction, and preserving biodiversity. However, the industry faces challenges like unsustainable logging, underutilization of lesser-known timber species, and the need to meet timber regulations. To address these issues, Knowledge for World Conservation (KWC) has launched the second edition of the Compendium of Lesser Known and Lesser Used Timber Species (LUS & LKS).
Building on the success of the first edition, which highlighted 33 lesser-known species, this updated version includes 11 additional species, six of which are plantation timber species. The compendium provides clear, easy-to-understand information about each species, including physical properties, durability, uses, and processing tips. This approach aims to reduce over-reliance on popular species, mitigate deforestation, and encourage the use of underutilized timbers.
The Second Edition has been designed for all category of wood users and stakeholders including high-volume timber consumers, plantation developers, timber sourcers (loggers), wood processors, traders, road contractors, architects, builders, real estate developers and other stakeholders in the built environment sector, educators, students as well as the general public. The resource supports Ghana’s adherence to standards like the Timber Resource Management and Legality Licensing Regulations (LI 2254). It also aligns with global frameworks like the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) and Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT).
The inclusion of plantation species in this new edition highlights the need for climate adaptation, reforestation, and sustainable forestry. Beyond timber management, the compendium contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including promoting responsible production and consumption (SDG 12), sustainable ecosystem management (SDG 15), and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
KWC calls on policymakers, industry leaders, traders, and consumers to use this resource as a guide for sustainable timber practices. The second edition of the LUS & LKS Compendium is not just a reference tool—it is a commitment to the future of Ghana’s forests and the people who depend on them.
This compendium was produced by KWC with funds from partners including the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of UK, as part of the project “Building active actors and systems to support (BAASS) deforestation free commodities in Ghana and Liberia".
Click button below to download the compendium.
