What is the World Forestry Congress (WFC)?
- The most influential international conference in the field of forestry, held every six years under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, serving as a platform to announce recommendations and declarations on significant forest issues
- Often referred to as the "Forestry Olympics," the WFC brings together people in the field of forestry and environment from around the world, including governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, and businesses
- Serving as a platform to share experiences and knowledge in forestry and environment, the WFC provides an opportunity to derive applicable recommendations at the country, regional, and global level and seek solutions to worldwide issues
Overview of the 15th World Forestry Congress
- Date and Venue: 2-6 May, 2022 / COEX, Seoul, Republic of Korea
* The 15th WFC was held in the Asia-Pacific region for the first time in 44 years since Indonesia’s hosting in 1978 - Key Topics of Discussion
· UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the Paris Agreement, UN Strategic Plan for Forests, Post-2020 global biodiversity framework, Durban Declaration, and etc.
· Introducing good practices of forestry policies, research results, and forest technology that address global forest disasters (wildfires, landslides), promote health through forests, and improve quality of life
· Exploring the interconnectedness between forest ecosystem degradation and zoonotic infectious diseases like COVID-19, and discussing ways to enhance human health through forests
The 15th World Forestry Congress’ Theme & Sub-themes
- Theme: Building a Green, Healthy and Resilient Future with Forests
- Sub-themes
· 01 Turning the tide: reversing deforestation and forest degradation
· 02 Nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation and biodiversity conservation
· 03 The green pathway to growth and sustainability
· 04 Forests and human health: revisiting the connections
· 05 Managing and communicating forest information and knowledge
· 06 Forests without boundaries: enhancing management and cooperation