Launch of the North American Forest Communicators Network marks milestone for forest communications

Zapopan, Mexico — In a significant boost to the global effort in forest communication, the North American Forest Communicators Network was launched last week at the headquarters of the National Forestry Commission of Mexico (CONAFOR) in Zapopan.

The creation of the new network under the North American Forestry Commission means that six regions of the world are now served by seven Regional Forest Communicators Networks, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The North American Network brings together over 50 members from both government and private organizations within the forestry sector in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Members will share their expertise and best practices in forestry communication, foster learning, and build strong regional and international connections.

“The integration of both the forestry and communication sectors in this group of experts promises an enriching exchange of knowledge," said María Luisa Albores González, Mexico’s Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources at the opening session of the Network launch. “For the Government of Mexico communication is very, very important."

Addressing regional issues

Co-led by representatives from CONAFOR, the US Forest Service and the Canadian Forest Service, the North American Network will focus on implementing effective communication campaigns at a regional level, promoting learning among members, generating new contacts and alliances, and exchanging up-to-date information on topical forest issues.

During a three-day workshop, Maria De Cristofaro, Global Coordinator of the Regional Forest Communicators Networks and FAO Forestry Officer, and Kai Lintunen, leader of the FAO-UNECE Forest Communicators Network and Head of International Communication at the Finnish Forest Association, presented the outputs and evolution of the Regional Forest Communicators Networks over the last 30 years, while presenters from Mexico, the United States and Canada shared case studies and experiences.

Among regional priorities identified were wildfire prevention and management and sustainable wood value chains.

Special Projects Coordinator at CONAFOR Ernesto Ladrón de Guevara Alafita, highlighted the experience of Mexico’s national forestry commission in communicating about forests, including a 2023 forest fire prevention campaign.

Delegates also participated in a brainstorming discussion on the International Day of Forests, led by FAO, and a training session on Generative Artificial Intelligence for communication activities.

“The launch of the North American network is an important step forward in efforts to enhance sustainable forest management through effective communication and collaboration in the region and will also enhance global collaboration across all the networks,” said De Cristofaro.

A global effort

The North American Forest Communicators Network becomes an integral part of the larger, global effort of the Regional Forest Communicators Networks. The networks comprise nearly 500 professionals from government and private sectors across Africa, Europe and Central Asia, Asia-Pacific, Mediterranean and the Near East, Latin America and the Caribbean.

With the first network established in Europe three decades ago, the networks have been instrumental in shaping sustainable forest management policies and practices. They actively share their activities online, meet in capacity-building workshops, and participate in forestry conferences to promote best practices in forest communication.

A FAO-led Global Coordination Group on Forest Communication facilitates coordination and capacity development among the networks. It also advises FAO’s Forestry Division on global communications campaigns for major events and International Days.