Forest Service International Foundation

10/05/2026

Empowering CSOs and IPLCs in the Congo Basin

On September 4, over 190 participants from civil society organizations (CSOs) and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) across the Congo Basin came together for a virtual working session focused on strengthening their voice and influence in forest, climate and biodiversity policy processes.

The session is part of a larger program implemented by the Forest Service International Foundation (FSIF) and SINREX Sustainable Solutions, funded by Forest People and Climate (FPC) and the Climate and Land Use Alliance (CLUA). The initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity, coordination and influence of CSOs and IPLCs to engage more effectively in policy processes at national and regional levels.

The session provided a platform to exchange experiences, identify common challenges and define practical ways of moving from participation towards greater influence.

Building on the session's outcomes, the initiative will support a range of activities, including thematic webinars, technical guides and advocacy tools, as well as a dedicated WhatsApp community to facilitate continued exchange and collaboration among participating organizations.

📸Photo credit: Carine Bourgeois

09/29/2026

Last week, the FSIF team traveled to New York for Climate Week NYC, joining conservation leaders, policymakers, funders, innovators, and practitioners from around the world. The week provided a valuable opportunity to explore where FSIF’s experience, networks, and partnership-building role could contribute to evolving priorities across the conservation community.

FSIF participated in sessions and conversations focused on financing climate resilience both in the United States and internationally. Topics included the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, mangrove conservation, U.S. climate resilience, and the launch of Conservation X Labs’ South America Fire Fund. Across these discussions, participants explored innovative financing approaches and international mechanisms designed to reduce carbon emissions, protect forests, and address climate-related risks such as catastrophic wildfire and desertification.

The team also engaged with colleagues on the evolving landscape for U.S. international assistance; new technologies and partnerships to combat transnational environmental crime; successful forest and watershed restoration efforts in the southeastern United States; and potential areas for future collaboration.

Just as important were the relationships strengthened and formed throughout the week. The team connected with representatives from conservation organizations, international institutions, foundations, technology innovators, and finance-focused initiatives. These conversations surfaced opportunities related to forest finance, supply-chain traceability, wildfire resilience, conservation technology, Indigenous and community-led conservation, and international program development.

FSIF returned from New York with new ideas, expanded relationships, and plenty of conversations to continue. We look forward to turning shared priorities into practical collaboration with partners around the world.

09/26/2026

Happy National Public Lands Day!

Today, we’re celebrating the public lands that connect us to nature and communities across the country.

Swipe through to find which national forest you are based on your birth month and let us know which one you got in the comments! 🌲

📸 credit: USDA Forest Service

📸 credit: christiannafzger from Getty Images, licensed by Canva Pro

📸 credit: CampPhoto from Getty Images, licensed by Canva Teams

📸 credit: Samson1976 from Getty Images, licensed by Canva Teams

📸 credit: zrfphoto from Getty Images, licensed by Canva Teams

📸 credit: Hsa_Htaw from Getty Images, licensed by Canva Teams

📸 credit: christiannafzger from Getty Images, licensed by Canva Teams

📸 credit: Andrea DiSavino from Getty Images, licensed by Canva Teams

📸 credit: Photospirit, licensed by Canva Teams

📸 credit: USDA Forest Service

📸 credit: USDA Forest Service by Ron Fisher

📸 credit: Deborah Lee Soltesz, U.S. Forest Service Coconino National Forest

Happy National Public Lands Day!

Today, we’re celebrating the public lands that connect us to nature and communities across the country.

Swipe through to find which national forest you are based on your birth month and let us know which one you got in the comments! 🌲

09/23/2026

Increasing Wood-Screening Capacity in Washington State 🪵

On September 9 and 10, the U.S. Forest Service Office of International Programs and Trade (IPT) provided specialized training for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel working at the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma. Over two days, 32 CBP staff received practical instruction in wood anatomy, sampling methods, chemical testing, and species identification.

📸Photo credit: Richard Kleiber Soares

09/21/2026

Each September, the world recognizes the importance of the Amazon rainforest. This month, we’re highlighting the work of our partner Instituto del Bien Común (IBC) in Peru’s Pachitea Basin, where conservation and landscape governance are helping protect forests, freshwater resources, biodiversity, and local communities.

Swipe through to learn more about this important landscape and the people working to protect it.

📸Photo Credits: Instituto del Bien Común (IBC)

09/15/2026

Earlier this year, leaders from across the Andean region gathered in Lima, Peru, for the Second Regional Workshop on Andean Environmental Regulatory Frameworks to advance cooperation in combating illegal logging and the associated timber trade.

Conducted by the Andean Parliament, hosted with the institutional support of the General Secretariat of the Andean Community, implemented by the U.S. Forest Service, and funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, the workshop focused on developing practical solutions to strengthen regional forest governance.

At the Forest Service International Foundation, we are proud to support the objectives of the U.S. Forest Service International Programs and Trade as they advance partnerships that protect forests for future generations.

📸 Photo Credits: VEM / U.S. Forest Service

09/08/2026

Pollinator Partner Spotlight: Western Reserve Land
Conservancy 🌸

FSIF is proud to spotlight the incredible work of Western Reserve Land Conservancy, a partner of the Forest Service International Foundation. This incredible organization works to protect the land and water that sustains communities through land conservation and restoration.

Learn how you can get involved at WesternReserveLandConservancy

Photos provided by Western Reserve Land

09/03/2026

Spotted at the San Diego Zoo: our partner, Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) 🌿🦓

A familiar name caught our eye at the San Diego Zoo!

The Zoo is highlighting NRT’s community-led conservation work in northern Kenya, where community conservancies are helping strengthen thriving communities while protecting habitat for zebras and other wildlife.

From establishing conservation zones and enforcing anti-poaching laws to supporting sustainable livelihoods, ecotourism, research, and community education, NRT is showing what’s possible when communities take charge.

We are proud to partner with NRT as a member of our 19-member NGO network, bringing organizations together to advance community-led conservation around the world.

09/01/2026

Strengthening Frontline Capacity to Detect Illegal Timber at Port of Savannah 🔎

On August 19 and 20, the U.S. Forest Service Office of International Programs and Trade delivered specialized wood-anatomy training to 11 Customs and Border Protection officers working cargo operations at the Port of Savannah.

Participants received practical instruction in species identification, sampling techniques, and screening methods used to detect high-risk wood shipments entering the United States. The training also strengthened coordination with the Forest Service’s Wood Identification and Screening Center (WISC) for submitting samples and receiving analytical support.

This was the second training delivered at the Port of Savannah, following the initial session in August 2025. CBP personnel specifically asked the Forest Service to return so the material could be shared with a wider group of officers.

As the nation’s third-busiest container gateway after Los Angeles and New York, the Port of Savannah plays a critical role in the movement of imported wood products, making it an essential location for strengthening frontline enforcement capacity.

Since 2024, International Programs and Trade has delivered this training to over 300 personnel at 17 locations across the U.S., including seaports and land border crossings.

📸 Photo credits: Richard Kleiber Soares and Derrick Crawford

08/27/2026