Forests in the spotlight at FAO’s “From Seeds to Foods” exhibition in Rome

Rome – From high-tech materials and sustainable management to a wildfire-ready mascot, innovation in forestry was on display at this year’s From Seeds to Foods exhibition in Rome as part of FAO’s 80th anniversary celebrations. 

Through a series of interactive displays, eye-catching installations and hands-on experiences, visitors discovered how forests are key players in climate action, food security and sustainable innovation.

“The forestry-focused displays show what forests can offer for people and the planet – from foods, to sustainable materials, to ecosystem services, to climate solutions,” said FAO Forestry Director Zhimin Wu.

Under the tagline, “FORESTS. From seeds to food … and to almost anything else,” visitors explored the transformation underway in how forests are grown, managed and used. Combining cutting-edge science with Indigenous and local knowledge, the display revealed how forest products are central to circular economies and nature-based solutions.

From forest foods to high-tech wood-based materials, such as a stylish, all-wooden waterproof bathroom sink, the exhibit highlighted the world’s forests as a sustainable source of food, fibre, fuel, construction materials and reusable packaging. The booth also showcased the sustainable production, processing and use of poplar grown in Italy’s Po Valley.

Another of the exhibit’s features was an interactive billboard that reads, “This is not just a billboard, it’s a climate solution”. The billboard is part of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests’ Grow the Solution initiative to encourage the greater use of products made from sustainably grown wood as a key strategy for combating climate change. Visitors were invited to take selfies in front of it as they learnt how wood products store carbon and thus offer real climate benefits when sustainably sourced. 

Global Fire Management Hub booth

The theme of sustainability continued in the North America Pavilion, where the Global Fire Management Hub – an FAO-hosted initiative – demonstrated how integrated fire management combines science, technology and traditional knowledge to reduce wildfire risk and sustain productive landscapes.

Visitors checked out interactive displays, met Pyra, FAO’s Integrated Fire Management tiger mascot, and tested their knowledge with a “spin to win” quiz that highlighted the benefits of using fire wisely to protect ecosystems, food systems and communities.

The exhibition ran from 10 to 13 October at Parco di Porta Capena in Rome and was open to the public.