Showcasing the next generation of forest health leaders across the Near East and Africa

The Youth Action in Forest Health competition, co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Near East Forest Invasive Species Network (NENFHIS), and the Forest Invasive Species Network for Africa (FISNA), brought together over 110 participants from Africa, the Near East, and beyond to witness the research efforts being championed by emerging scientists addressing forest health challenges.

A stage for young forest health leaders

The Youth Action in Forest Health competition, co-hosted by FAO and its Asia-Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network (APFISN), took place on April 25, 2025, and brought together over 160 participants from across the region and beyond. The event celebrated the energy, creativity, and innovation of young researchers tackling one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

The event, hosted by FAO’s Forest Invasive Species Network for Europe and Central Asia (REUFIS), is part of the Voices of Future Forest Health Leaders webinar series; which provides a platform for young experts to share their experiences and emphasize the urgent need for innovation, collaboration, and investment in forest protection.

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). 

FAO's Asia-Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network (APFISN) launched a new webinar series, ‘Voices of future forest health leaders’, aimed at connecting and empowering young professionals in the field. 

FAO today launched an updated Guide to implementation of phytosanitary standards in forestry, including good practices for forest health protection to help reduce the human-facilitated spread of forest pests and their impacts.

Climate change is increasing the susceptibility of the world's forests to stressors such as wildfires and pests, according to a new flagship publication by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) that emphasizes the role of innovation in achieving a sustainable future fo...

The vital role forests play to ensure environmental health and healthy societies came under the spotlight today at a global event which brought together ministers, experts and youth activists to mark International Day of Forests 2023.

FAO published a new study on forest-related disasters that will help contribute to the development of effective responses for future incidents.

The Food Chain Crisis has recently published a flyer on the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB). The polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) is an ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Curculeonidae: Scolytinae) native to Asia, together with its fungal symbiont Fusarium euwallaceae. PHSB attacks agricultural and forestry crops, street and garden trees, as well as several native tree species.