The Near East Network on Forest Health and Invasive Species reenergizes regional collaboration to combat forest invasive species

The Near East Network on Forest Health and Invasive Species (NENFHIS) convened its first focal point meeting of 2025 through a virtual webinar, drawing participants from across the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region to discuss the growing threats to forest health and the urgent need for coordinated regional action.

Since its establishment in 2007, NENFHIS has been at the forefront of addressing forest invasive species (FIS) across the region, a major and escalating challenge linked to biodiversity loss, climate change, and declining forest resilience. The webinar marked a renewed phase in the network’s operations, emphasizing stronger engagement with national focal points and its alignment with evolving regional needs.

In her opening remarks, Fidaa Haddad, Senior Programme Officer at the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa, welcomed participants and highlighted the significance of the meeting. “This is our first focal point gathering of 2025 and, in many ways, it marks a fresh phase in our work together,” she said. “Forest health is a critical issue in our region… Invasive species threaten biodiversity, food security, and rural livelihoods. This network is more needed than ever.” As the critical status of forest health and its continued threats in the region were presented during the meeting, it was clear to see why this issue is urgent.

The session featured a presentation by Shiroma Sathyapala, FAO Forestry Officer (Forest Health and Protection), who provided an overview of FAO’s global networks on forest health and recent achievements in protecting forests and trees through research, capacity development, and coordinated interventions .

Since 2022 , these networks have reached over 730 forest health practitioners, researchers and youth interested in or contributing to forest health in all regions through capacity building activities, in addition to the development of important knowledge through regional forest health and invasive species assessments (Latin America and the Caribbean, NENA, Africa) and a Global review of Ceratocystis wilt and canker disease. 

A key highlight of the webinar was the presentation of the 2024 NENFHIS Regional Assessment on Forest Invasive Species by Aadel Taoufik, NENFHIS Coordinator. The assessment offers a comprehensive look at the current state of FIS across the NENA region, detailing key trends, national efforts, and areas where further support is needed.  The findings are expected to serve as a foundation for shaping the network’s priorities in the coming years.

The current state is at a critical tipping point, with both native and invasive species inflicting significant damage to forests. Insect infestations and pathogens are leading to forest decline and dieback in some of the region’s key tree species such as pine, oak, acacia, juniper, and eucalyptus. Furthermore, the ecological imbalance is widening as native habitats are being colonized by invasive plants like Nicotiana glauca and Prosopis juliflora.

During the open discussion, participants discussed their impressions of the report, shared national perspectives, reflected on emerging threats, and identified priority areas for future collaboration. The exchange underscored both the diversity of challenges faced across countries and the shared urgency of addressing them through joint action.

As climate change and land degradation continue to intensify forest vulnerabilities, the strengthening of NENFHIS offers an important mechanism for knowledge-sharing, coordination, and technical cooperation across the region. The network continues to foster regional engagement, including through its recent “Youth Action in Forest Health: Africa & Near East” competition, which highlighted innovative research by emerging scientists addressing forest health challenges. More activities and engagement opportunities will be announced in the near future, along with a new and refreshed webpage.