Mr. Christopher Beeko

Christopher Beeko is a highly accomplished forest governance practitioner and IT project manager with over 35 years of experience in the tropical forest sector and international trade systems. His career has been defined by pioneering contributions to sustainable forestry practices, forest policy reforms, and the implementation of advanced technology systems to improve governance. With a strong foundation in project management and strategic leadership, Chris has consistently delivered impactful results in forest legality assurance and compliance with global market standards. Chris’s expertise lies in the understanding of tropical forest land use, with particular focus on international trade dynamics affecting forest commodities such as timber. He played a key role in implementing Ghana’s Timber Legality Assurance System, which set the standard for compliance under the EU FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA). His work in forest sector policy and legislative reforms has informed practices in regions as diverse as Asia and South America. By aligning national systems with international trade controls and standards, Chris continues to contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of tropical timber products in global markets.

In addition to his technical expertise, Chris has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing cross-cutting environmental and social challenges within the forest sector. His work has integrated issues such as tenure rights, poverty alleviation, and livelihoods, ensuring that forest governance reforms are both inclusive and equitable. Chris is adept at political economy analysis, allowing him to navigate complex challenges such as illegal mining and its connections to deforestation. His ability to think strategically and act politically has enabled him to deliver sustainable solutions that balance environmental and socio-economic priorities. Chris also brings extensive experience in programme and grant management, having successfully managed a GBP 8 million development assistance grant aimed at transforming Ghana’s forest governance. His leadership in implementing Ghana’s Wood Tracking System demonstrates his ability to integrate IT solutions into large-scale sustainability initiatives. Chris has consistently delivered on financial oversight, stakeholder coordination, and strategic planning, ensuring the successful execution of high-impact projects. His ability to foster collaboration across diverse stakeholders, including international donors, government agencies, and local communities, has been a hallmark of his career.

A published researcher and lecturer, Chris has contributed to building capacity and sharing knowledge through academic and professional platforms. He has developed academic content on forest regulation and law, and his publications on forest governance and policy reforms are widely recognised. Chris’s ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and creatively has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and advancing learning among diverse audiences. With a comprehensive blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and operational skills, Christopher Beeko has been a driving force in advancing sustainable forest governance and international trade systems. His proven ability to manage complex programmes, adapt to dynamic challenges, and build inclusive, impactful solutions makes him a valuable leader in the forest and international development sectors.