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World Timber Day: Colombia has high forestry potential, but its consumption remains low
Bogotá, March 2026. Every March 21st, World Wood Day is commemorated, a date that seeks to highlight the importance of this material in daily life and its role in sectors such as construction, design, and furniture manufacturing. In Colombia, wood is part of a production chain that connects forest management, industrial processing, and innovation in products for housing and interior spaces.
“Colombia has significant potential to develop its forestry economy if it manages to stimulate demand and strengthen the culture of wood use in sectors such as construction and industry,” explains Juan Miguel Vásquez, National Executive Director of Fedemaderas.
According to Fedemaderas figures, Colombia has more than 551,000 hectares of commercial forest plantations, located mainly in departments such as Vichada, Antioquia, and Meta, key regions for the sector's development.
“Colombia has great potential to strengthen its timber industry, but it also faces the challenge of expanding its use in sectors such as construction, design, and furniture. Events like Interzum Bogotá bring together stakeholders across the production chain to share innovation, knowledge, and trends that will drive the sector's growth,” says Angélica Garzón, Project Manager at Koelnmesse.
These plantations are a key source of legal timber for various industries. According to the trade association, 77.6% of the timber traded in Colombia comes from commercial forest plantations, while the remainder comes from authorized harvesting of natural forests.
However, the sector still faces challenges related to demand and strengthening a culture of wood use in the country. According to analysis by Fedemaderas, per capita wood consumption in Colombia is approximately 0.12 cubic meters per year, a figure up to 10 times lower than that of countries like Brazil or the United States, highlighting the sector's growth potential.
According to the trade association, the responsible development of the forestry supply chain can generate economic opportunities in different regions, while contributing to the sustainable use of natural resources.
“It is necessary to promote a culture of responsible consumption of wood products and to value those that come from sustainable production chains,” says Juan Miguel Vásquez.
Within the framework of this commemoration, Interzum Bogotá, the industrial trade fair for furniture and wood, highlights the role of the wood industry in developing sustainable solutions for the design, construction, and manufacturing of furniture.
These discussions will take place at Interzum Bogotá 2026, held from May 12 to 15 at Corferias. The event will bring together companies, manufacturers, designers, and architects interested in learning about innovations and solutions for the furniture and wood industry.
“This event is an opportunity to recognize the value of this industry in generating employment, innovation, and productive development. At Interzum Bogotá, we aim to connect industry stakeholders with trends, knowledge, and business opportunities,” says Ana Garibello, project manager at Corferias.
On this day, the sector emphasizes that this material is not only part of homes and workplaces, but also represents an opportunity to boost the country's productive development and promote a more responsible relationship with forest resources. Interzum Bogotá is the perfect venue.
Companies interested in participating as exhibitors, as well as professionals and visitors who want to learn more about the fair, can find detailed information about the components, participation opportunities, and new features of Interzum Bogotá 2026 on the event's official website: https://interzum-bogota.com/en/bogota. Registration is now open on the official website. The most important wood fair will open its doors from May 12 to 15 at Corferias.
