The Global Forest Observations Initiative (GFOI) Plenary 2025 took place from 21 to 23 October 2025 in Bali, Indonesia, and online. The theme for this year’s plenary was “Forests and the marvel of monitoring”.
Broader discussions focused on how we can strengthen the connections between different forest monitoring forums, such as how countries can be best supported to leverage their forest monitoring capabilities for greenhouse gas estimation, forest fires, commodities and biodiversity monitoring. A major highlight of the plenary was the launch of the Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) 2025 results – the authoritative evaluation of the condition, extent, management and use of the world’s forest resources over time.
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With the theme “Forests and the marvel of monitoring”, the Global Forest Observations Initiative (GFOI) and the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry were pleased to host the GFOI Plenary 2025 from 21 to 23 October in Bali, Indonesia. Broader discussions focused on how countries can be best supporte...
Forest monitoring employs a wide range of methods, from ground measurements to remote sensing, ensuring comprehensive assessment of the world’s forests and how they are changing over time.
Protecting and restoring forests is essential for maintaining biodiverse and healthy ecosystems, which are crucial for climate resilience and global environmental health.
Forest data play a key role in shaping policies and decisions for climate action.
By safeguarding forests as natural resources, tropical forest countries can achieve sustainable economic development for future generations.
Through global partnerships and knowledge exchanges, we can strengthen the collective efforts of the forest monitoring community for more impactful outcomes.
Welcome remarks from the Indonesian Government, FAO and the GFOI Leads Group
Moderator: Tom Harvey, GFOI Office
Speakers:
Discussion of progress in forest monitoring, followed by Q&A
Moderator: Ellen Bruzelius Backer, Norway
Speakers:
Presentations and a panel discussion between representatives of the different forest monitoring forums
Moderators:
Speakers:
Official launch of the results from the Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) 2025
Moderator: Zhimin Wu, Director of Forestry, FAO
Welcome remarks:
Presentation of FRA 2025 results:
High-level panel discussion:
Closing remarks:
Presentations and a panel discussion on global and regional fire monitoring capabilities:
Moderator: Duarte Oom, FAO
Speakers:
Three side events hosted in parallel by partner organizations:
This session will highlight the essential role of national forest inventories (NFIs) in providing high-quality in-situ data that supports national priorities, enhances global forest monitoring, and promotes forest data transparency. It will introduce regional NFI networks and showcase how NFIs contribute to climate goals, biodiversity conservation, and evidence-based forest policy through their comprehensive, multipurpose datasets.
Moderator: Rocío Cóndor Golec, FAO
Speakers:
Four side events hosted in parallel by partner organizations:
Four side events hosted in parallel by partner organizations:
Report back from break-out group discussions and open Plenary Q&A
Present key features of communique: “One forest, one purpose: Bali’s shared vision for forest monitoring collaboration”
Reading of draft communique, thank you and closing remarks
GFOI Office & Government of Indonesia
The GFOI Office would like to acknowledge and thank the following partners for their financial contributions, which have made this event possible:
