APFNet

21/10/2026

The 5th International Forum on Forest Policy and Economics was held at Beijing Forestry University (BFU) on 17 October 2026. BFU and Division 9 of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) jointly hosted the forum, which focused on “Sustainable Forestry: Strategies for Climate Resilience and Carbon Neutrality.” Discussions covered sustainable forestry policies, the green transition of forest-based industries, and mechanisms for realizing the value of forest ecosystem goods and services. Dr. Wang Chunfeng, Executive Director of the APFNet, attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. Dr. Wang noted that the forum’s themes were closely aligned with APFNet’s Fourth Strategic Plan (2026–2030), reflecting shared priorities in addressing climate change, conserving biodiversity, and advancing inclusive development. He highlighted four priorities for advancing sustainable forestry.

For more details, visit 👉 www.apfnet.cn
👉

30/09/2026

▶️ Launch of new Guidelines on community-based fire management in tropical forest landscapes at COFO28.

👉 This new guideline shows how communities can lead fire management with support from governments and partners. They draw on lessons from the field across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

It was produced under the Southeast Asia-Fire Management Mechanism (SEA-FiMM), with financial support from the ‘Strengthening Integrated Fire Management through a community-based approach in Southeast Asia project, jointly implemented by RECOFTC and APFNet. RECOFTC Tropenbos International International Tropical Timber Organization - ITTO

📖 Read and download: https://www.recoftc.org/publications/cbfim-in-tropical-forest-landscapes

🌳 When communities lead, forests and livelihoods are better protected from unwanted fires.

From women leading fire management in the Philippines to forest stewards combining traditional knowledge with modern tools in Thailand, communities are showing how to keep forests and livelihoods safe from unwanted fires.

Our new guidelines show how communities can lead fire management with support from governments and partners. They draw on lessons from the field across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Developed with Tropenbos International, International Tropical Timber Organization - ITTO and APFNet with the CBFiM Working Group of the Fire Hub .

📖 Read and download: https://www.recoftc.org/publications/cbfim-in-tropical-forest-landscapes?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=cbfim

28/09/2026

Wonderful Moments: A Review of the Training Workshop on Sustainable Forest Management and Restoration in the Context of Climate Change

27/09/2026

22-23 September 2026, Macao SAR, China – APFNet participated in the Global Legal and Sustainable Timber Forum 2026 (GLSTF 2026), bringing together government representatives, industry leaders, certification bodies, NGOs, researchers and international organizations from 49 economies to explore pathways towards resilient and sustainable global timber industries.

On 22 September, Dr. Wang Chunfeng, Executive Director of APFNet, joined the high-level panel on “Innovation and Transformation – Pursuing Avenues for Resilient and Sustainable Global Timber Industries”, together with senior representatives from governments, industry and international organizations. The session explored the challenges facing the timber sector amid global disruptions and the opportunities for innovation and transformation to strengthen supply-chain resilience.

23/09/2026

In September 2026, six new APFNet Scholarship Program (ASP) students from Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and the Philippines began their postgraduate studies at Nanjing Forestry University, enrolling in master's programs in forestry and in resources and environment.

In 2026, ASP enrolled 15 scholarship students from forestry management departments and research institutions across the Asia-Pacific region. The students will study at three host universities: Nanjing Forestry University, Southwest Forestry University, and Zhejiang Agriculture & Forestry University.

20/09/2026

On 17 September 2026, the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet) and the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the APFNet Secretariat in Beijing, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation in forest science, sustainable forest management and knowledge exchange.

18/09/2026

From 8 to 12 September 2026, a delegation led by Dr. Wang Chunfeng, Executive Director of APFNet, visited Uzbekistan. The visit aimed to advance preparations for the Fifth Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Forestry in Greater Central Asia (5th MMRF GCA), deepen bilateral cooperation in sustainable forest management, dryland forest restoration and desertification control, and support the implementation of practical cooperation projects in Greater Central Asia.

During the visit, the APFNet delegation held productive talks with Mr. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan and Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and Mr. Erkin Mukhitdinov, Director of the Agency for Forest and Greening Area Expansion and Desertification Control. The two sides focused on preparations for the 5th MMRF GCA, aligning Uzbekistan's national forestry strategy with APFNet's regional priorities, implementing dryland forest restoration demonstration projects in Uzbekistan, and promoting technical exchange and capacity-building cooperation.

For more details, visit 👉 www.apfnet.cn

05/09/2026

A group of Chinese children participated in an international summer camp program at the Nairamdal International Children’s Center in Mongolia from 2 to 10 August 2026, joining Mongolian children for seven days of cultural exchange, environmental learning, and outdoor activities.

The program was organized in cooperation with the Embassy of Mongolia in China and the General Authority for Child and Family Development and Protection of Mongolia, and co-hosted by the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet). APFNet supported the participation of children from China, including coordinating their nominations, registration, and travel arrangements.

The program provided an opportunity for the children to experience Mongolia’s natural environment and culture while building friendships with their Mongolian peers. Through recreational, educational, and cultural activities, participants learned about one another’s traditions and experienced everyday life in an international summer camp setting.

For more details, visit 👉 www.apfnet.cn

04/09/2026

From Sustainable Forest Management Practices to a Global Network
On 26 August, APFNet continued its COP17 engagement with the side event “Actions and Future of the Global Network for Sustainable Forest Management (GFN)” at the China Pavilion in the Blue Zone.

The event attracted about 50 participants throughout the session, reflecting strong interest in sustainable forest management and opportunities for international cooperation. It brought together perspectives from APFNet, China, and Mongolia, and connected practical experiences in sustainable forest management with discussions on the future development of GFN.

For more details, visit 👉www.apfnet.cn

03/09/2026

Turning Regional Cooperation into Restoration Action in Greater Central Asia
On 24 August, APFNet and the National Forest Agency (NFA) of Mongolia jointly organized the side event “Regional Cooperation for Forest Rehabilitation and Restoration: Accelerating Action against Desertification in Greater Central Asia” at the NFA Pavilion in the COP17 Green Zone.

Greater Central Asia faces interconnected challenges from climate change, water scarcity, land degradation and desertification, biodiversity loss, and increasing risks of forest and grassland fires. These challenges extend beyond individual economies and require stronger regional cooperation and locally adapted approaches. The event therefore focused on how policy dialogue, scientific knowledge and practical projects can work together to accelerate forest and landscape restoration.

For more details, visit 👉 www.apfnet.cn