Rome 21 March: Forests and foods - celebrating the role of forests in food systems
Rome (Italy), Hybrid Event, 21/03/2025
Celebrating the role of forests in food systems
Friday 21 March | 14.00–16.00 CET
ONLINE
Sheikh Zayed Centre, FAO headquarters, Rome
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations held a hybrid global event to find out more about the connection between forests and food. Featuring stories from around the world, speakers showcased forest-based wild foods and explored how forests contribute to food security, nutrition and livelihoods.
FAO is also proudly celebrating its 80th anniversary and will mark this occasion by showcasing actions and best practices that promote a sustainable, inclusive and resilient food future.
Interpretation in six languages.
PROGRAMME
Opening remarks
Godfrey Magwenzi
Deputy Director General
FAO
Setting the scene: global overview of forests and food security and nutrition
Sooyeon Laura Jin
Forestry Officer, Forestry Division, FAO
Why do wild foods from the forests matter?
Robert Nasi
Director General
CIFOR and Director of Science, CIFOR-ICRAF
Country perspectives: exploring the diversity and vital role of forest foods, including fruits, nuts, honey, mushrooms, insects and wild meat
Canada
John Pineau
Executive Director
Ontario Woodlot Association and Eastern Ontario Model Forest
China
Sun Peng
Team Lead, Research Institute of Non-timber Forestry
Chinese Academy of Forestry
Ethiopia
Kaba Urgessa Dinssa
Deputy Permanent Representative to UN Rome-based Agencies
Ethiopian Embassy, Rome
Finland
Kirsi Joensuu
Executive Director
Finnish Forest Association
Gabon
Philippe Ongouli
National Technical Assistant
Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme
Morocco
Ait Lhaj Abderrahmane
Head
National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and Argan
Peru
Mariana Montoya
Director
Wildlife Conservation Society
Thailand
Preecha Ongprasert
Director of Forestry Foreign Affairs Office
Royal Forest Department
Türkiye
Özgür Balci
Head of Ecosystem Services Department
General Directorate of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Closing remarks
Zhimin Wu
Director
Forestry Division, FAO
