IUFRO 2024 Reflections: Enhancing Forest Data Transparency and Education
Following the enriching sessions at the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) World Congress 2024, it's clear that forest data transparency, education, and climate action are critically intertwined. This newsletter edition focuses on initiatives designed to enhance the quality, timeliness, accessibility, and usability of forest-related data in line with the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) of the Paris Agreement. Here, we explore how forest data transparency and education are key for advancing sustainable forest management and effective climate action globally.
Empowering Through Education
The "Climate Action in Forest Education" session highlighted the essential role of education in equipping forestry professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for climate action. It stressed the need for integrating climate science comprehensively into forestry curricula to prepare a workforce capable of contributing effectively to sustainability and conservation efforts. The FAO e-learning series on Forest monitoring for climate action curriculum aims to strengthen institutional and technical capacities for climate action. It consists of a 6 self-paced course in multiple languages.
Strengthening Forest Inventories for Global Monitoring
The "Forest without Borders" session underscored the importance of National Forest Inventories (NFIs) in global forest monitoring. Through discussions on regional NFI networks it was clear that harmonizing data collection and reporting methodologies is vital for transparency. The regional NFI networks have proven to be effective model for south-south cooperation, enhancing cooperation among participants, providing visible platforms for the exchange of harmonized forest data and fostering an enriching and synergistic exchange among national forest inventory organizations. These efforts not only support the ETF but also enhance the reliability of forest data, which is crucial for policymakers and environmental managers in making informed decisions that impact forest sustainability and climate action. National forest inventory networks contribute to the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement by providing accessibility to forest data, methodologies and results. The National Forest Inventories of Latin America and the Caribbean – Towards the harmonization of forest information has been a milestone in the region towards forest data transparency.
Synergy of Transparency, Education, and Action
Linking transparent forest data with robust educational programs is a win-win and the discussions at IUFRO 2024 have highlighted the potential in empowering a global community with the knowledge and tools to advocate for and implement effective climate solutions.
Moving Forward with Unified Goals
As we continue to build on these discussions, the role of each stakeholder becomes ever more critical. We encourage continued engagement and collaboration to leverage these insights and we invite all stakeholders to explore the educational resources provided by the FAO e-learning series forest monitoring for climate action, participate in ongoing global discussions, and contribute to our collective efforts towards enhanced forest data transparency. Your active participation is key to our shared success in fostering a sustainable future for our forests and our planet.
- Boosting transparency of forest data
- Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Forests
- FAO E-learning series: Forest Monitoring for Climate Action
- National Forest Inventories of Latin America and the Caribbean: Towards the harmonization of forest information
- Collaborative networks for trustworthy forest data | Global Forest Resources Assessments | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (fao.org)
- All the presentations of the IUFRO 2024 session “Forest without borders: National Forest Inventory Networks and their potential for large scale monitoring and reporting”
- Collaborative Solutions for Reliable Forest Data: The potential role of a Global NFI Network of Networks. Rocio Danica Condor Golec.
- European National Forest Inventories and their potential for large scale monitoring and reporting – Experiences and Visions. Klemens Schadauer.
- Building regional capacities in Latin America and the Caribbean for harmonizing forest information. Carla Ramirez.
- Latin America National Forest Inventories: similarities and differences. Joberto Freitas.
- Collaborative Networks for Trustworthy Forest Data: The Role of Forest Inventory Networks in the FAO-FRA Capacity Development Programme. Anssi Samuli Pekkarinen.
- Monitoring and reporting of transparent forest data and information under the Paris Agreement: The role of National Forest Inventory networks. Jenny Wong.