Future forest health leaders take part in webinar series showcasing young professionals
10/03/2025
Five young forest health professionals shared their experiences in FAO’s latest ‘Voices of Future Forest Health Leaders’ webinar, organized in collaboration with the Forest Invasive Species Network for Africa (FISNA) and the Near East Network on Forest Heath and Invasive Species (NENFHIS).
The webinar, the second in a series aimed at connecting and empowering young professionals in the field, focused on career paths in forest health. It featured a distinguished panel of early-career researchers and practitioners who shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations in this field.
Panelists from across the region included:
Dr. Michelle Pretorius – Quantitative Researcher, Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), University of Cape Town, South Africa
Nigel Kombora – Master's Student, University of Pretoria, collaborating with FABI and ICFR
Aviwe Simandla – Pest Risk Analyst, FABI / Department of Agriculture, South Africa
Mouad Moumene – National Agency of Water and Forests (ANEF), Morocco
Intissar Zarrouk – Research Engineer, Laboratory of Management and Valorization of Forest Resources, National Research Institute of Rural Engineering, Water and Forestry (INRGREF), Tunisia
Each panelist had the opportunity to present their research, covering a broad range of forest health topics, from baboons damaging forest plantations to the importance of pest risk assessments for safe trade. They also shared their thoughts on the benefits and challenges of their journey in forest health so far, before reflecting on how to encourage more young people to pursue research in this field. The webinar, attended by 60 participants, provided an open and supportive space for young professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange insights, and build connections.
Designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the ‘Voices of Future Forest Health Leaders’ series invites aspiring researchers and practitioners to explore career paths, share experiences, and contribute to the future of forest health.
Next up: The webinar focusing on Europe and Central Asia, with young forest health professionals from across the region - register here for the event, register here for the event.
The next phase of the webinar series will be a competition, with each region hosting their own event. Participants can submit proposals to present their research to forest health industry experts. The Asia-Pacific region will kick this off on 25 April 2025.
Click here for more information on how to apply, and how to register to watch!