International Conference on Forest Education

22-24 June 2021

The International Conference on Forest Education (ICFE), organised by FAO, IUFRO, ITTO, CIFOR/ICRAF and the Secretariats of UNFF and UNFCCC, was a defining event in forest education.  It was instrumental in helping to chart a path forward for forest education globally. The conference celebrated the culmination of over a year-long effort involving global and regional partners to collect and synthesise information on the status and needs of forest education and training globally, and to raise awareness of the contributions that robust forest education and knowledge systems play in the achievement of multiple forest goals and forests’ contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals.  Key findings of a global assessment and six regional assessments were presented at the ICFE. Some exciting new initiatives, including by members of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), were presented.

The participants shared their experience and perspectives through discussions of key challenges, needs, opportunities and initiatives to strengthen forest education.  These will help to build the foundations for communities of interest on issues related to forest education and knowledge systems which can share information and collaborate in activities well beyond the ICFE. Participants shaped the drafting of a global Call to Action on forest education.

Participants

The conference brought together a broad range of stakeholders from scientific and educational institutions, government ministries, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, and regional and global organisations, as well as students.

Webcasts

22 June: Opening plenary
23 June: Second plenary and roundtable dialogue: The evolution of forest education in a global landscape
24 June: Closing plenary

1.1  Planting the seeds: the importance of early forest education at the primary and secondary levels to inspire young minds 
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1     23 June: Breakout session 2
1.2  Improving the quality of forest education at tertiary level
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1     23 June: Breakout session 2
1.3  Enhancing practical field training: technical and vocational education and training, and farmer field schools
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1     23 June: Breakout session 2
1.4  Improving the content of traditional and indigenous knowledge in forest education and strengthening traditional knowledge systems
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1     23 June: Breakout session 2
1.5  Expanding the scope of forest education: fostering a more integrated and holistic approach
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1     23 June: Breakout session 2
1.6  Addressing gender and ethnicity in forest education
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1 (not recorded)     23 June: Breakout session 2
1.7  The juncture of forest education and employment
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1     23 June: Breakout session 2
1.8  10 reasons why you should take a job in forestry. Changing the public’s perception of the forester through strategic communication
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1     23 June: Breakout session 2
2.2  Educators: school administrators and professors in vocational and tertiary level forestry programmes
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1    23 June: Breakout session 2
2.3  Students in university level forestry and related programmes
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1     23 June: Breakout session 2
2.4  Community groups, producer organizations and civil society organizations
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1     23 June: Breakout session 2
2.5  Increasing role of the private sector in enhancing forest education
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1     23 June: Breakout session 2
3.1 Tapping into digital opportunities to improve forest learning
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1    23 June: Breakout session 2
3.2 Forestra: Information access and sharing through networking and online platforms
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1     23 June: Breakout session 2
3.3 Contributions of forest education to the UNESCO-led Education for Sustainable Development for 2030 Agenda
Briefing note
22 June: Breakout session 1     23 June: Breakout session 2