Forest data without borders: New digital report showcases Asia-Pacific collaboration on national forest inventories

At a dedicated side event during the Global Forest Observations Initiative (GFOI) Plenary 2025 held on 23 October 2025 in Bali, Indonesia, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched a new digital report highlighting experiences and lessons learned from national forest inventories (NFIs) across the Asia-Pacific region.

The interactive publication, titled Forest Data Without Borders, brings together stories, data, and perspectives from countries that are working together to strengthen forest monitoring systems and promote forest data transparency.

The report provides:

• An overview of the importance of NFIs in supporting sustainable forest management, climate action, and transparency in forest-related data.
• Country profiles presenting the latest updates on NFI status, progress, and methodologies in the region.
• Video testimonies from NFI focal points, national experts, and international partners sharing their experiences in building and using NFIs for evidence-based decision-making.
• Regional perspectives on how countries are now connecting their efforts through the emerging Asia-Pacific NFI Network, a platform for knowledge exchange, technical collaboration, and capacity development.

The digital report is a living document, designed to evolve as countries continue advancing their NFI efforts. As more data, experiences, and lessons emerge, new content will be added - reflecting the dynamic growth of the regional network and the shared commitment to stronger forest data systems.

The establishment of the Asia-Pacific NFI Network represents a major step towards regional cooperation on forest monitoring. Each country brings its own unique experience - from long-standing inventory systems to newly initiated ones - creating a space for mutual learning and innovation. By connecting these experiences, the network enhances national capacities and strengthens the collective ability to report on forest resources in a consistent and transparent way.

This work is carried out within the framework of the CBIT-Forest project, funded by the Global Environment Facility, and the AIM4Forests programme, supported by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen forest data and monitoring capacities in the Asia-Pacific region and globally, helping countries meet international commitments while advancing sustainable forest management.

Explore the interactive report: https://arcg.is/m1iP91