IUFRO News, Volume 52, Double Issue 7&8, 2023
Download PDF from https://www.iufro.org/publications/news/electronic-news/
Imprint: https://www.iufro.org/legal/#c10402
In this issue
- The Forest Treasure Chest - Delivering Outcomes for Everyone
- Challenges and Opportunities for Boosting the Teak Value Chain
- Modern Technologies and Engineering in Sustainable Forest Utilization
- The Forest Factor Conference: More Nature to Fight Climate Change
- Agroforestry Systems in the World: Differences and Similarities
- Forest Plantations Congress 2023
- Science Day at HLPF to Inform SDG Summit and 2024 Summit of the Future
- Announcements
- IUFRO World Congress 2024 – Call for SAP Opens on 15 September 2023!
- Global Competition on Best Practices in Forest Education 2.0
- Wood for Globe
- Podcast: Forests and climate change - Michelle Yeoh on the UN Forest Podcast
- Expression of Interest: Bioeconomy Innovation Day 2023
- Obituary: Zohra Bennadji, INIA, Uruguay
- Obituary: Alan Brown, CSIRO, Australia
- Publications
- TEAMING UP 4 FORESTS: Summary of the 3rd Think Tank Meeting
- Other publications (proceedings, reports, studies)
- Fellowships and Positions
- Courses
- IUFRO Meetings
- Other Meetings
The Forest Treasure Chest - Delivering Outcomes for Everyone
Report from the IUFRO all-Division 5 Conference 2023 in Cairns, Australia, by Volker Haag, Roger Meder, Andrew Lowe, Victor Deklerck, Sangeeta Gupta, Yafang Yin, David J. Lee and Pekka Saranpää, IUFRO Division 5 Forest Products https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-5/
This report has been abridged by the editor of IUFRO News. Read the full report at: https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-5/50000/activities/
Conference website: www.iufro-div5-2023.com
From 4 to 8 June 2023, the IUFRO all-Division 5 conference took place in Cairns, Australia. The conference titled "The Forest Treasure Chest - Delivering Outcomes for Everyone" focused on improving sustainable trade in timber and forestry, adapting forests to climate change, and cooperation between regional forestry and indigenous communities.
The conference in tropical Cairns on the north-east coast of Australia was the first major in-person event of the 16 Units of Division 5 after the Corona-related break. A total of 140 representatives from the field of forestry and wood sciences from a wide range of cultures from 26 countries attended the event. The conference at the Cairns Convention Centre was hosted by the local IUFRO committee and primarily organized by scientists from the University of Sunshine Coast (USC).
Most ancient rainforest in the world
Besides the famous diving spots in the nearby Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is particularly well known as the gateway to the world-famous region of tropical North Queensland and is located in the direct vicinity of the most ancient rainforest in the world. In the "Daintree Rainforest" you will find impenetrable mixed forests of conifers, evergreen and deciduous trees, which share the space on all levels with countless palms and epiphytes, while some jungle giants (Kauris = Agathis spp.) protrude from the forest canopy. The Daintree Rainforest is located in tropical North Queensland and is estimated to be 135 million years old. By comparison, the Amazon rainforest is "only" 55 million years old!
IUFRO Division 5 Forest Products https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-5/ IUFRO Division 5 is one of nine permanent Divisions, which in turn are sub-divided into individual Research Groups and Working Parties. Division 5 focuses primarily on products derived from both natural and planted forests. While the focus in the past was on traditional solid wood products, Division 5 has expanded to explore the diverse offerings from living forests. Primarily, the aim is to "understand the various factors that influence the growth of forest plants and the production of woody biomass, as well as how forest materials were used in ancient times and how they are been used now by industry and local communities." (IUFRO 2023). The research topics comprise the microscopic and macroscopic structure of wood and its use; technical properties; protection during storage and use; wood physics; drying, conversion and performance of solid wood and wood composites; energy and chemical production from trees. It also includes research on the production, properties and uses of non-timber forest products such as bamboo and rattan, and on the medicinal and edible components of forest fruits. "An overarching theme for all these research activities is the efficient and sustainable use of forests for the benefit of humanity today and in the future." (IUFRO, 2023). |
It was wonderful to see many delegates from the Pacific Island region (Fiji, Papua New Guinea) aided in a large part by 13 scholarships provided by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), which is an Australian Government organization operating research training and support throughout the Pacific and parts of Southeast Asia. With the conference being held in Australia, it was an excellent opportunity for researchers and forest policy managers from the Pacific region to attend.
Find detailed information about major conference topics in the report:
https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-5/50000/activities/
- Australia's forestry under the aspect of sustainability
- Strengthening modern technologies to secure the international timber trade
- Forest products culture
IUFRO all-Division 5 conference - a great success for the wood science community
The conference succeeded in bringing people from all over the world to the table to jointly address the problems of the present and find solutions for the future. The conference once again highlighted the importance of building international collaborative networks as the key to joint, open, and transparent communication. Find presentations, abstracts and more at: https://www.iufro-div5-2023.com/
Words of thanks were extended to the local organizing committee: Trinh Huynh, Hulton King, David Lee, Roger Meder, Jeff Morrell, and Sam Van Holsbeeck; and a huge round of applause went to Kate Murphy and Jenny Lawler of KAM Events for their professional efforts in making the conference enjoyable for everyone.
The next major IUFRO event is the "XXVI IUFRO World Congress: Forests & Society Towards 2050 - Sustainable Future", which will take place in Stockholm from June 23-29. The IUFRO World Congress is one of the largest global forestry events, held every five years since 1893.
"The IUFRO Division 5 Conference in Cairns highlighted that sustainably managed forests deliver many benefits to our society, including wood, pleasing aesthetics, they sequester carbon and contribute to the bioeconomy in terms of reduced carbon emissions, substitution for carbon intensive products such as steel and concrete and provide drop in biofuels to replace fossil fuels."
Professor Dr. David Lee, University of the Sunshine Coast (Queensland, Australia)
"Future is made of wood, but we should also appreciate wood as cultural heritage."
Dr. Pekka Saranpää, Principal Scientist, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), IUFRO Division 5 Coordinator
"Forest products culture involves valuing forests, learning about forest products, and utilizing forests and their resources in our societies for a sustainable future."
Dr. Charlotte Chia-Hua Lee, International Wood Culture Society (United States), Coordinator of IUFRO Working Party 5.15.02 Non-wood Forest Products Culture
https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-5/50000/51500/51502/
"Wood is a gift from nature. Understanding its structure is key for wood identification and protection of endangered tree species against illegal trade of forest products."
Dr. Isabelle Duchesne, Research Scientist, Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (Quebec, Canada)
"Proud of our wood diversity and ancient wood culture that was scientific and sustainable".
Dr. Sangeeta Gupta, Head Forest Botany Division Forest Research Institute (Dehradun, India), Deputy Coordinator IUFRO Working Party 5.15.01 Wood Culture
https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-5/50000/51500/51501/
Find more quotes in the full report: https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-5/50000/activities/
Challenges and Opportunities for Boosting the Teak Value Chain
Report by PK Thulasidas, Deputy Coordinator, IUFRO Working Party 5.06.02 Utilization of Planted Teak and Tetra Yanuariadi, ITTO, Japan
https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-5/50000/50600/50602/
A Side Event convened jointly by the IUFRO Teakwood Working Party, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO https://www.itto.int/) and the International Teak Information Network (TEAKNET http://teaknet.org/) during the IUFRO all-Division 5 Conference held in Cairns, Australia from 4-8 June 2023 explored means of boosting the value of teakwood products.
Conference website: www.iufro-div5-2023.com
Teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) is a high priority tropical species for industries and planted forests in Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. As per the latest reports of the ITTO on wood products, production, consumption and trade have caused major disruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic in the global economy leading to an estimated contraction of 3.3 percent in 2020. In the second half, the global financial situation improved after lifting the lockdown in many countries. The global trade in teakwood is estimated at about 1.02 million m3 per year, dominated by India, China and Thailand followed by marginal volume by Vietnam. About 70 countries have teak plantations and the future world supply is expected to come from 15-25-year rotations.
"Changes in the global trading environment for tropical timbers, including teak, are occurring at a rapid pace," said Dr. Tetra Yanuariadi, Project Manager, ITTO, Japan in his presentation. This requires a longer-term view to enable tropical timber industry policy decisions to be effective.
Teak represents the best opportunity to produce quality timber and is thus of major importance to forestry economies, according to Mr. Komlan Houelete, Sector Manager, Silviculture and Forest Management, Togo Forest Development and Exploitation Office. For many tropical countries, establishment and management of planted teak forests have attracted large investment from the corporate sector.
Speakers at the side-event also addressed forest biomass utilization for bioenergy industry development. Dr. Jingxin Wang, Director, Center for Sustainable Biomaterials & Bioenergy, West Virginia University, USA reported an integrated modeling framework for the supply chain management of forest biomass utilization for bioenergy, including components of regional suitability and facility sitting assessments and supply chain optimization.
During the side-event, Dr. PK Thulasidas, representing Teaknet, reported that ITTO, Thailand's Kasetsart University and Teaknet collaborated in implementing the BMEL supported project, "Enhancing the conservation and sustainable management of teak forests and legal and sustainable wood supply chains in the Greater Mekong Sub-region", which was completed in 2022.
The planning of the second phase of this collaboration, which will have a greater focus on the production of high-quality teak timber, is in progress, including the organization of teak side events at the IUFRO World Congress in June 2024 in Stockholm, Sweden, and at the Fifth World Teak Conference, which will be hosted by India in 2025.
Report abridged by the editor. Read the full report at:
https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-5/50000/50600/50602/activities/
Modern Technologies and Engineering in Sustainable Forest Utilization
Report by Arkadiusz Stańczykiewicz, Chairman of the Conference, University of Agriculture, Krakow, Poland
Meeting website: https://teufor.urk.edu.pl/english.html
From 4-6 June 2023, 75 participants from Poland, Czechia, Italy and Slovenia met in Krakow, Poland, to discuss "Modern Technologies and Engineering in Sustainable Forest Utilization". The aim of the Conference, which was co-sponsored by IUFRO Division 3 Forest Operations Engineering and Management and Research Group 3.03.00 Forest Ergonomics, was to exchange knowledge on current scientific and practical achievements in the field of harvesting of timber and other forest raw materials, based on modern technologies and engineering management of stands.
IUFRO Division 3: https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-3/
IUFRO RG 3.03.00: https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-3/30000/30300/
Stepping up cooperation in ongoing and planned research and higher education, not only in the direction of rational management in state forests, but also in the direction of forestry in urbanized areas, forests around conurbations and private forests, should respond to the increasingly common emergencies, even on a global scale.
The exchange of information on current scientific achievements and applications of research project results between foreign and national research centers will contribute to expanding theoretical and practical knowledge on the use of productive and non-productive values of forests such as:
- Forest utilization and transportation reducing adverse events in the human-technology-environment system
- Ergonomics in forestry in the light of a changing labor market
- Forest engineering and technology as a platform for modern and technological forest management
- Non-timber utilization of forest resources as a response to the changing needs of societies
The conference discussions showed that integrated procurement methods (logistics) for wood raw material, non-timber raw materials and other ecosystem services are a challenge for actors in the broader forest-wood industry, especially after the pandemic period. Therefore, it is important to maintain and develop contacts between research and business entities from different countries to exchange experiences in the field of sustainable forest utilization.
The conference was kindly hosted and supported by the following institutions: University of Agriculture, Faculty of Forestry, Department of Forest Utilization, Engineering and Forest Technique, Krakow
Sponsors included the General Directorate of State Forests 'Lasy Państwowe', Municipality of Krakow - Office for Cooperation with the Kraków Science and Academic Centre.
The Forest Factor Conference: More Nature to Fight Climate Change
Report by Piermaria Corona, Director of the Research Centre for Forestry and Wood, CREA, Italy
Conference website: https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/en/news/the-forest-factor
Also see: https://www.iufro.org/discover/noticeboard/iufro-meetings/
The crucial role of forests in the fight against climate change was at the center of the International Forest Factor Conference held in Rome, Italy, from 6-7 June 2023, on the occasion of World Environment Day, and in memory of the first World Forestry Congress held in Italy in 1926. The Conference was organized by the Arma dei Carabinieri (Italian police force also dedicated to the conservation of forests and nature), in collaboration with IUFRO and many other Italian and international institutions and organizations.
Scientists, representatives of international organizations, universities and research centers, environmental educators and journalists contributed to the Conference. A variety of topics was covered during six sessions and several special side events:
- Conservation and restoration of forests for our future
- Knowing, contrasting and preventing anthropic impact
- Champions of the forest: women, indigenous people, youth
- Forests and climate: storytelling and action
- Information, education and training: awareness and participation as a protection factor
- Research and training: a "transformative" change
The protection of forests is recognized as an essential element in the global fight against climate change due to their exceptional capacity to absorb and store carbon, but it is also considered of vital importance for biodiversity and for the water and energy cycles. Solutions that effectively balance the conservation and sustainability of the use of forest resources are possible if the value of the forest in all its complexity is enhanced. Forests are saved if they are at the center of society's interest: in other words, the cultural dimension of the forest must be recognized, that is, the culture of the forest as the foundation of the alliance between humankind and nature.
Agroforestry Systems in the World: Differences and Similarities
Report by Ana Cristina Gonçalves, Swoyambhu Man Amatya and Sanjeev Chauhan, Deputy Coordinator, Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator, respectively, of IUFRO Research Group 1.04.00 Agroforestry https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-1/10000/10400/
The online conference on 26-27 July 2023 was hosted by the University of Évora, Portugal.
Find Details: at the meeting website: https://www.med.uevora.pt/jul-26-27-2023/
Agroforestry is a land use system that integrates forest crops, agriculture crops, and livestock including medicinal and aromatic plants in a certain space and time.
Agroforestry practices can provide a sound ecological basis for increased crop and animal productivity, more dependable economic returns, and conserving biodiversity. It has an important role in providing livelihood security and buffering households against climate-related risks. Agroforestry practice is increasingly becoming attractive in almost all Asian countries and the world. About 1.2 billion people, particularly in developing countries, depend on agroforestry farming systems for their livelihoods.
Agroforestry systems are distributed worldwide, characterized by multiple products and benefits, and have a wide variability. IUFRO's Agroforestry Research Group (1.04.00) held an online conference to examine the differences and similarities of agroforestry practices in the world.
The goals of this conference were to analyze and discuss the concepts, products and their ranking, the species and the stand structure, the management options, the modelling, and the practice of agroforestry systems. Key issues include research on agroforestry systems, namely silviculture, modelling, and management.
The conference addressed the following key questions:
- Are agroforestry systems adapted to climate variability (and/or climate change)?
- How can integration and ranking of the multiple productions in agroforestry systems can be achieved and maintained?
- Do species and site contribute to the diversity of agroforestry systems?
- Are management options and practices similar or different from the timber-oriented forest systems?
At this conference, eighteen presentations were made on a variety of themes related to agroforestry, including biomass and carbon sequestration and stocking, climate change, production and yield, regeneration, socio-economic and governance, disturbances mitigation, soil conservation, selection of trees and shrubs and diversity. Several conclusions can be highlighted:
- Agroforestry systems with both forest and agricultural trees, with suitable management, have the potential to maintain and/or improve carbon storage. The increase of diversity in species of trees, shrubs, and herbs, in these systems enhances carbon stocks.
- Agroforestry systems, apart from increasing biomass storage, can also improve soil physical and chemical properties, and soil fertility. Especially when nitrogen-fixing species are used, yields are increased providing for the needs of farmers.
- Increase of economic benefits, food and nutritional security, biodiversity conservation, and more efficient land use are also promoted through agroforestry systems.
- Forest species regeneration in Quercus ilex stands (montado) is enhanced with the increase of crown cover, soil organic matter, and litter.
- Mitigation of forest fires is promoted by silvopastoral systems due to the efficient control of spontaneous vegetation by grazing whereas the decline of these systems due to the reduction of socio-economic attractiveness shows a trend towards the increase of forest fires.
- The mitigation of pests on tree vigor and development had positive impacts on the agroforestry systems sustainability.
- Agroforestry systems have a role in climate change adaptation, due to a set of advantages when compared to other forest and agricultural systems. Yet, the recognition of the role of agroforestry systems in the European Union countries and the assessment of the adaptation of these systems design and management as well as the policies and regulatory framework still need to be further studied.
- The identification of the sites, trees and shrubs that are better suited for agroforestry systems is of the utmost importance to enhance the multiple benefits of these systems.
A session titled "SMART (Sustainable Modern Acceptable Resilient Technological) Agroforestry Practices for Sustainable Livelihood" will be organized during XXVI IUFRO World Congress 2024 (23 - 29 June 2024) in Stockholm, Sweden, moderated by Sanjeev Chauhan; Swoyambhu Man Amatya and Malu Almeida. Further online conferences are also being considered.
Forest Plantations Congress 2023
Report by Mauro Valdir Schumacher, Coordinator of IUFRO Working Party 1.02.01 Ecology and Silviculture of Plantation Forests in the Tropics https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-1/10000/10200/10201/
The Forest Plantations Congress or "Congresso Plantações Florestais" took place on 23-25 May, in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil and was kindly hosted and supported by IPEF, ABTCP, IBÁ, and IUFRO 1.02.01. The meeting attracted around 400 participants from France, Portugal, Colombia, Peru and Brazil. Visit the meeting website: http://lets.4.events/congresso-plantraçoes-florestais-C16407E49
The Congress was a success! It brought together the entire forest production chain, received professionals and researchers from various national and international institutions, and put on the agenda relevant technical, scientific, strategic and innovative topics on how forest plantations have contributed to society, including economic and social aspects and the consideration of ecosystem services.
Discussion topics included:
- challenges of the forest plantation sector, such as increased productivity, new frontiers of forestry, reconciliation with the preservation of the environment; focus on biological indicators and mitigating measures against climate change
- valuation of ecosystem services, meeting social demands and sustainable development
- gaps on innovation in the forestry sector, future inputs, and future landscape of forest certification
- challenges regarding native forest areas in context with forest plantations
Participants concluded that the forest plantation sector has a great potential to grow and improve with the advancement of new technologies based on artificial intelligence, modeling, and innovative processes.
The need for unity and strengthened collaboration between the business sector and research institutes to produce high-impact science was highlighted. In this scenario it is increasingly important to qualify the forestry professional and value the conservation of the environment. It is also important to highlight that forest plantations play a prominent role in mitigating the effects of climate change.
The "IPEF Technical Series" will present the annals containing the publication of all the scientific abstracts presented at the Congress.
A second edition of the Forest Plantations Congress is already scheduled for April 2025. Future meetings will be held with IPEF and collaborators based on the main issues discussed during this Congress.
Science Day at HLPF to Inform SDG Summit and 2024 Summit of the Future
The first-ever Science Day convened on the margins of the July session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Participants discussed potential strategies to ensure the acceleration of SDG implementation in an as evidence-based, strategic, and effective a manner as possible. The Day's outcomes will shape a call to action for HLPF 2023 and the SDG Summit https://www.un.org/en/conferences/SDGSummit2023 in September 2023 and inform the Summit of the Future in 2024.
The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), UN Development Programme (UNDP), International Science Council (ISC), Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) organized the event.
Read the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) summary:
https://enb.iisd.org/events/science-day-hlpf-summary
IUFRO World Congress 2024 – Call for SAP Opens on 15 September
IUFRO's Scientist Assistance Programme (SAP https://www.iufro.org/science/special/spdc/i-scientist-assistance-programme/) aims to provide forest scientists from economically disadvantaged countries with financial assistance to participate in the XXVI IUFRO World Congress 2024, taking place in Stockholm, Sweden from 23 to 29 June 2024. The Scientist Assistance Programme is implemented by IUFRO's Special Programme for Development of Capacities (IUFRO-SPDC:
https://www.iufro.org/science/special/spdc/).
Timeline for the SAP call:
15 Sep to 15 Nov 2023 – Call for SAP applications open
15 Dec 2023 – SAP acceptance decisions
For details, please visit: https://iufro2024.com/scientist-assistance-programme/
Global Competition on Best Practices in Forest Education 2.0
Submission deadline: 30 November 2023
The IUFRO-IFSA Joint Task Force on Forest Education https://www.iufro.org/science/task-forces/forest-education/, with the collaboration of Reforestamos and WRI, is organizing the second Global Competition on Best Practices in Forest Education. The competition seeks to recognize the innovative work of educators teaching about forests and to share these practices with educators, foresters, students, and the general public to promote best practices developed during the COVID-19 pandemic through the present.
Find out more: https://www.iufro.org/science/task-forces/forest-education/activities/
Wood for Globe
Towards a global wood policy platform to support the use of sustainable wood for a carbon-neutral bioeconomy worldwide
"Wood for Globe" is a newly launched project led by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Centre for Bioeconomy of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU https://boku.ac.at/en/zentrum-fuer-biooekonomie/about-our-work/projects) funded through the Forest Fund https://www.waldfonds.at/ of the Republic of Austria, an initiative by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management (BML).
Moving towards a sustainable low-carbon bioeconomy has emerged as a global goal. The forest sector is in a unique position to contribute significantly to the achievement of this goal.
WOOD for GLOBE aims to strengthen wood policy networks and platforms by mobilizing policy ma-kers, scientists and society to exchange knowledge, experience and good practices globally. The project is aligned with SW4SW, Sustainable Wood for a Sustainable World, a Joint Initiative of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF): https://www.fao.org/collaborative-partnership-on-forests/initiatives/sustainable-wood-for-a-sustainable-world/en
Find out more: https://www.iufro.org/science/partnership-projects/wood-for-globe/
Podcast
Forests and Climate Change: An Oscar-winning alliance - Michelle Yeoh on the UN Forest Podcast
Second UN Forest Podcast episode hosted by Michelle Yeoh, 2023 Oscar-winning actress and Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Together with Professor Almut Arneth, Coordinating Lead Author of the IPCC Special Report on land and climate change, Ms. Yeoh unpacks the unique relationship between climate change and forests in this podcast episode. Find out more: https://unece.org/media/Forestry/press/381390
Expression of Interest
Pitch Your Solution at the Bioeconomy Innovation Day on 4 October 2023
Ahead of the Bioeconomy Innovation Day on 4 October 2023 in Bilbao, Spain, the Bioregions Facility invites innovative companies, start-ups and researchers to pitch close-to-market or in-the-market to solutions at the event.
Organized by Bioregions Facility, European Forest Institute (EFI, in Yimby, Bilbao, Basque Country
Find out more: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PitchBasqueBID23
Obituary: Zohra Bennadji, INIA, Uruguay
Zohra Bennadji, who completed her PhD in Gembloux, Belgium, embarked on her professional journey in Uruguay. She joined the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) in 1992, where she actively contributed to the development of the National Forestry Research Program. Over the years, she held various managerial roles until 2007, overseeing crucial aspects such as genetic improvement of Eucalyptus and Pinus species, forest protection, silvicultural management, and the assessment of environmental impacts related to afforestation. Notably, she played an important role in the Forest Tree Improvement Cooperation agreement between INIA and JICA (Japan).
Dr. Bennadji's dedication extended beyond INIA, as she fostered partnerships with other organizations including the Forest Directorate in the Agricultural Ministry (MGAP) and the Universidad de la República. Her efforts also focused on facilitating the involvement of Working Groups within the Regional Advisory Councils established by INIA.
Since 2007, Dr. Bennadji had held the position of Lead Principal Researcher, dedicating her expertise to the valorization of native grasslands, with a particular emphasis on Quillaja brasiliensis and Prosopis affinis, and the identification and evaluation of multipurpose tree species.
Zohra Bennadji also enjoyed being part of IUFRO. Her work in IUFRO played an important role in her professional career. She was active between 2001 and 2010 as Deputy Coordinator of Division 2 and alternate representative of Uruguay to the International Council. On behalf of the IUFRO community we express our sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Obituary: Alan Brown, CSIRO, Australia
Alan Gordon Brown, who played a major role in forest research in Australia and Asia Pacific over many decades, sadly passed away in May.
Alan brown earned his B.Sc. in Forestry (1951) from the University of Sydney, Diploma in Forestry (Hons.) from the Australian Forestry School, Canberra (1951), and M.Sc. in 1966 from the University of Sydney. After graduation he worked with the New South Wales (NSW) Forestry Commission and the Forestry and Timber Bureau (FTB), Canberra. In 1961–1966 he lectured in silviculture and wood science at the Australian Forestry School, then returning to the new FTB's Forest Research Institute (FRI).
Over 25 years he had various appointments at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Canberra, including Acting Chief of the Forest Research Division (1980–1981, 1986–1987), Deputy Chief (1988–1990) and Chief of CSIRO Division of Forestry and Forest Products (1991–1992).
In IUFRO he actively contributed to the work of various IUFRO Units and served as a member of the Executive Board (1987–1990). In 1992 he received the IUFRO Distinguished Service Award for his research activities and for promoting IUFRO in Australia and Oceania. On behalf of IUFRO, we express our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Link https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00049158.2023.2228636 to the obituary published in Australian Forestry Full article: A tribute to Alan Gordon John Brown AM, ATSE, FFA (tandfonline.com), which is also the photo source.
Publications
TEAMING UP 4 FORESTS: Summary of the 3rd Think Tank Meeting
15 – 16 June 2023, Vienna, Austria
Connecting science and business: How policy, socioeconomic and environmental drivers impact future forest goods and services in Europe
Hosted by TEAMING UP 4 FORESTS - a forest, science and business platform
Summary prepared by Carola Egger, IUFRO
Read summary and key messages: https://teamingup4forests.com/resources/
The third TEAMING UP 4 FORESTS Think Tank Meeting, hosted by IUFRO and Mondi, was held in Vienna on 15-16 June 2023 and brought together over 40 representatives from science and business, and forestry stakeholders to discuss challenges of pan-European forests and the forest-based sector in the face of climate change, with the aim to jointly identify solutions and response measures.
Participants engaged in lively discussions to provide their views and work on response options building onto a scientific base. The meeting substance built on previous Think Tanks and Stakeholder Dialogues.
PROCEEDINGS
Agroforestry systems in the world: differences and similarities
Proceedings of the webinar on 26-27 July 2023 organized by Research Group 1.04.00 Agroforestry
Webinar report link: https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-1/10000/10400/activities/
CHAPTER
Plantation Forestry, Tree Breeding, and Novel Tools to Support the Sustainable Management of Boreal Forests
Thiffault, N., Lenz, P.R.N., Hjelm, K. (2023). Plantation Forestry, Tree Breeding, and Novel Tools to Support the Sustainable Management of Boreal Forests. In: Girona, M.M., Morin, H., Gauthier, S., Bergeron, Y. (eds) Boreal Forests in the Face of Climate Change. Advances in Global Change Research, vol 74. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15988-6_14
This chapter describes how plantation forestry, including tree breeding, and novel tools, such as genomic selection, can support the sustainable management of boreal forests in the face of climate change by, among other benefits, reducing management pressure on natural forests and favoring ecosystem restoration.
STUDY
Attracting and retaining women in forest entomology and forest pathology
By Jessica A. Hartshorn, Eckehard G. Brockerhoff, Maartje J. Klapwijk, Mariella Marzano, Rebecca J. Ganley, Molly N. Darr. Forest Policy and Economics Vol 154 September 2023, 103022. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S138993412300117X?via%3Dihub
This study finds that women hold more active roles in forestry, but barriers still exist to advance in their respective professions. Actions to attract and retain women in forestry include creating leadership roles, flexible scheduling, and family support.
VOLUME
Forest Entomology and Pathology - Volume 1: Entomology
Editors: Jeremy D. Allison, Timothy D. Paine, Bernard Slippers, Michael J. Wingfield
ISBN 978-3-031-11552-3 / ISBN 978-3-031-11553-0 (eBook)
This open access book provides an introduction to forest entomology, the principles and techniques of forest insect pest management, the different forest insect guilds/feeding groups, and relevant forest insect pest management case studies.
https://www.iufro.org/discover/noticeboard/non-iufro-publications/
REPORT
Flipping the Science Model: A Roadmap to Science Missions for Sustainability
Launched at United Nations headquarters in New York, this new report prepared by the International Science Council (ISC https://council.science/), of which IUFRO is a member, suggests a new approach to doing and funding science for the SDGs that keeps pace with the complexity of the challenges facing humanity and the planet.
It also serves as a call, inviting all stakeholders, both familiar and unconventional, to unite with the science community in this endeavor of collectively catalyzing science's power to drive transformative action towards a more sustainable world for all.
Read more at: https://council.science/publications/flipping-the-science-model/
Fellowships and Positions
Charles Bullard Fellowship in Forest Research
Harvard University awards a limited number of Bullard Fellowships annually to individuals representing a variety of disciplines and approaches to the study of forested ecosystems. These full-time residential fellowships allow individuals to foster their scientific and professional growth and to contribute to research on forests at Harvard.
Institution: Harvard Forest, Harvard University, USA
Closing date: 1 October 2023
Details: https://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/bullardfellowships
Postdoctoral/Research Fellow Positions in Public Policy and/or Global Environmental Governance
The Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES) at the Lee Kwan Yew School of Public Policy has openings for exciting, cutting-edge, and problem-focused postdoctoral/research fellow positions in public policy and/or global environmental governance. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Public Policy, Political Science, Global Affairs, Environmental Policy, or a related field and be experts in global and transnational environmental governance intuitions and processes, including policy innovations.
Institution: IES, National University of Singapore, https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ies/
Contact: Dr. Sebastian Sewerin, sppv1559(at)partner.nus.edu.sg
Faculty Positions
Apply by 31 October 2023
The School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University currently has an opening in each of the following areas:
Carbon Sequestration and Lifecycle Extension of Wood Materials
Carbon Sink and Investigation and Assessment of Forest Resources
Position Type: Full-time professor, associate professor, or assistant professor to begin on August 1, 2024. https://www.iufro.org/discover/noticeboard/position-announcements/
Courses
Self-Paced Course on Forest and Land Monitoring for Climate Action
The "Sharing the experience on Forest and Land Monitoring for Climate Action – SEPAL" online self-paced course is based on the first edition of the online facilitated course delivered from 24 March to 7 May 2023 in English, Spanish and French.
Organizer: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Details: Englishhttps://www.fao.org/in-action/sepal/resources/certified-course/en
Also available in Spanish and French!
FAO E-learning Course, Institutionalization of Forest Data
This course intends to establish a clear path towards a more efficient and effective use of forest data, underscoring the crucial significance of institutionalizing a robust national forest monitoring system (NFMS) within countries. This course is designed for individuals who have an interest in establishing and developing a national forest monitoring system (NFMS), and to learn about the institutionalization process. The course targets legal experts, ministries, government officers, academia and private sector among others involved in the design and establishment of an NFMS. This course offers certification (digital badge). https://elearning.fao.org/course/view.php?id=977
IUFRO Meetings
For a full list of meetings go to our online calendar at: https://www.iufro.org/events/calendar/current/
Find non-IUFRO meetings on the IUFRO Noticeboard at: https://www.iufro.org/discover/noticeboard/
2-6 Oct 2023
XII Congreso Forestal Nacional 2023
Flores, Péten, Guatemala
IUFRO 3.09.00, https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-3/30000/30900/
Contact: Rene Zamora, Rene.Zamora(at)wri.org
https://www.cofona2023.com/
8-10 Oct 2023
Southern and Northeastern Mensurationists Conference
Knoxville, TN, United States
IUFRO 4.01.03, https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-4/40000/40100/40103/
Contact: Sheng-I Yang, syang47(at)utk.edu
https://mensurationist.net/2023-joint-meeting-of-somens-nemo/
8-12 (14) Oct 2023
IUFRO Extension and Knowledge Exchange (EKE)
Working Party Conference and Tour
Padova, Italy
IUFRO 9.01.03, https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-9/90000/90100/90103/
Contact: Bill Hubbard, whubbard(at)umd.edu
https://www.iufro-eke.org/
17-19 Oct 2023
IUFRO Latin American Conference - Sustainable Landscape Management – the role of forests, trees, agroforestry and their interactions with agriculture
Curitiba, Brazil
IUFRO 1.00.00, https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-1/
IUFRO 9.00.00, https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-9/
Contact: Erich Gomes Schaitza, erich.schaitza(at)embrapa.br
https://eventos.galoa.com.br/iufro-2023/page/2479-inicio?lang=en
23-27 Oct 2023
2nd Global Evapotranspiration Symposium: Advances, Challenges, and Future Needs in Measurements, Modeling, and Applications
Penn State University, PA, United States
IUFRO 8.01.07, https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-8/80000/80100/80107/
Contact: Ge SUN, ge.sun(at)usda.gov
https://www.asabe.org/et2023
7-10 Nov 2023
International Congress on Planted Forests 2023
Nairobi, Kenya
IUFRO Task Force Resilient Planted Forests Serving Society & Bioeconomy
https://www.iufro.org/science/task-forces/resilient-planted-forests/
European Institute of Planted Forest
Contact: Christophe Orazio, c.orazio(at)iefc.net
https://www.plantedforests.org/icpf-2023/
3-8 Mar 2024
The Might of Vegetative Propagation for Healthy and Productive Forests to Face Climate Challenges
Rotorua, New Zealand
IUFRO 2.09.02, https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-2/20000/20900/20902/
Contact: Henri Baillères, henri.bailleres(at)scionresearch.com
Meeting announcement: https://www.iufro.org/fileadmin/material/science/divisions/div2/20902/rotorua24-preliminary-announcement.pdf
XXVI IUFRO World Congress 2024: Forests and Society Towards 2050 Stockholm, Sweden; 23-29 June 2024 Registration at: https://iufro2024.com/registration/ Congress website: https://iufro2024.com/ |
Other Meetings
For more non-IUFRO meetings, please check the IUFRO Noticeboard:
https://www.iufro.org/discover/noticeboard/other-meetings-events/
15 Sep 2023
10th Annual Hixon Center Urban Conference
Online and New Haven, CT, USA
Yale School of the Environment
Contact: Marcella L. Hager, marcella.hager(at)yale.edu
Details: https://hixon.yale.edu/events/conference/hixon-center-urban-conference-3
18-19 Sep 2023
2023 SDG Summit
New York, USA
Convened by UNGA President; including CPF High-Level event on 19 September
Details: https://www.un.org/en/conferences/SDGSummit2023
19 Sep 2023
ISC Distinguished Lecture Series: "Linking Mechanisms to Soil Functions to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals"
Webinar 16:00 – 17:00 CEST | 14:00 – 15:00 UTC
Details: https://council.science/events/linking-mechanisms-to-soil-functions/
28-29 Sep 2023
Epigenetics in Woody Plants
Orléans, France
Joint EPI-CATCH/EPITREE workshop
Contact: Stéphane Maury, stephane.maury(at)univ-orleans.fr
Details: https://6230751c6f201.site123.me/workshops/epigenetics-in-woody-plants
12–16 October 2023
Forests & Livelihoods: Assessment, Research, and Engagement (FLARE) 2023 Annual Meeting
Nairobi, Kenya
Organized by FLARE
Contact: FLARE(at)nd.edu
Details: https://www.forestlivelihoods.org/annual-meeting-2023/
20 - 23 November 2023
FORESTA 2023
San Marino
Organized by ECE-COFFI, FAO
Contact: info.ece-faoforests(at)un.org
Details: https://unece.org/info/Forests/events/374850
11-17 Apr 2024
12th World Bamboo Congress: Next Generation Bamboo
Hsinchu, China-Taipei
Contact: papers(at)worldbamboocongress.org
Details: https://wbc-official-website.webflow.io/
IUFRO News Issue 7&8, 2023, published in early September 2023
by IUFRO Headquarters, Vienna, Austria.
Contact the editor at office(at)iufro(dot)org or visit https://www.iufro.org/
Imprint: https://www.iufro.org/legal/#c10402