Forest health in a changing world
A healthy forest is able to sustain the species and processes that exist within it. However, across the world, abiotic and biotic disturbances are having major impacts on the health and vitality of forests.
These disturbances can impact tree growth and survival, yield and quality of wood and non-wood products, wildlife habitat and ecosystem services, as well as the recreation, scenic and cultural values of forests. Such impacts can result in substantial economic, social, and environmental loss.Highlights
Regional forest invasive species networks
These networks play a key role in coordinating stakeholders, disseminating knowledge, and building capacities on forest health and invasive species in over 100 countries.
Climate change and forest health
Climate change represents an unprecedented challenge to the world’s biosphere and to the global community. It also represents a unique challenge for plant health.
Forest invasive species
The global movement of people and products facilitates the spread of
invasive species worldwide. They may often be unintentionally introduced through movements of goods and human activities (travels).
D-group on forest health and invasive species (FISnet)
Join the discussion on forest health and forest invasive species around the world.
Publications
Guide to forest biosecurity
22/09/2026
By promoting coherent, integrated and forward-looking approaches, this guide aims to support countries in protecting forest ecosystems as vital natural assets for the present and future generations. With stronger biosecurity systems, countries can better anticipate emerging risks, reduce vulnerabilities and ensure that forests continue to provide essential goods and services in an increasingly interconnected and changing world.
One Health and forest invasive species
16/07/2026
This brief presents actionable, evidence-based recommendations for combating forest invasive species under One Health, protecting the forest ecosystems that sustain planetary health.
Guidelines on emergency response preparedness in agriculture in Europe and Central Asia
20/06/2026
These guidelines provide a comprehensive and practical framework to support governments and partners in enhancing preparedness for effective response in the agriculture sector - in particular for the crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture subsectors.
Contact
Shiroma Sathyapala
Forestry Office Forest Health and Protection
Forestry Division