Joint efforts and far-sighted decisions are crucial to make the world's forests more resilient and ensure a sustainable future, the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) Stockholm Congress statement has said.

The statement also emphasises that cooperation across borders and disciplines, informed and fair decision-making, and enhanced education and training are essential for maintaining healthy forests and their ecosystem services.

By combining scientific research with traditional knowledge can create a robust foundation for informed decision-making and drive positive change in forest management and conservation.

The 26th World Congress of IUFRO, held in Stockholm from June 23-29, 2024, united 4,200 participants from over 100 countries. This five-yearly gathering provides a global platform for experts to share knowledge, insights, and visions on forest-related research, policy, and management.

Under the theme "Forests and Society towards 2050", the Congress explored five key areas: enhancing forest resilience, fostering forest-based bioeconomy, preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services, promoting forests for sustainable societies, and advancing innovation and education.

According to incoming IUFRO President Daniela Kleinschmit, it is crucial to prioritize inclusivity, particularly by empowering young and underrepresented researchers, adopting a diverse range of perspectives on forest-related issues, and fostering global cooperation to address these challenges more effectively.

Stockholm Congress Statement urges everyone to take responsibility for a sustainable future

The world is currently grappling with severe crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, and social injustice. To address these interconnected issues, collective and equitable actions are necessary, and individuals must take responsibility within their own spheres of influence.

According to IUFRO President Dr John Parrotta, the future well-being of humanity relies on maintaining diverse, productive, and resilient forests and ecosystems, including sustainable agricultural systems, to ensure a healthy and prosperous future for all.

"An equitable, healthy and prosperous future for humanity will depend on diverse, productive and resilient forests and associated ecosystems, including sustainable agricultural systems," says IUFRO President Dr John Parrotta, US Forest Service.

Dr Parrotta emphasises that swift and collaborative action is essential to mitigate the causes and effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, land degradation, and pollution. This urgent call to action is a central theme of the Stockholm Congress Statement, the culmination of the Congress's findings and recommendations.

"The forest science community can be relied upon to provide the solid knowledge base needed by decision-makers at all levels - from individual citizens to governments - to evaluate the benefits, risks and trade-offs related to forest- and other land-based commodity production options, consumption choices and policies across sectors," Dr. Parrotta emphasizes.

Dr. Elena Paoletti, Chair of the Congress Scientific Committee, summarizes the call to action: 'The Congress urges decision makers, forest managers and business experts to make best use of the knowledge and recommendations of the global science community to strengthen forest resilience and climate adaptation, maintain and enhance the social values of forests for sustainable societies, expand the role of forests and forest products in a responsible circular bioeconomy and transform forest-related sciences for the future.’’

IUFRO World Congress 2029 Heads to Africa for First Time

The 27th IUFRO World Congress, scheduled for 2029, will make its inaugural appearance on the African continent in Nairobi, Kenya. Under the theme "Advancing Global Partnerships in Forestry Research and Development", the event will be hosted by the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), promoting international partnerships and knowledge sharing in the field of forestry.

Dr Jane Njuguna, Acting Director of Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), warmly invites all to the 27th IUFRO World Congress in Kenya in 2029, celebrating a triumph for Africa. The successful bid was a collaborative effort between KEFRI, the Kenya Government, African Union Commission, and various regional organizations, demonstrating a strong commitment to global forestry partnerships and cooperation.

On the eve of the 2030 Agenda's conclusion and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the 27th IUFRO World Congress will convene to assess the vital contribution of forests to global sustainability, including environmental, social, and economic objectives. The Congress will highlight the significance of Africa's forests, forestry practices, and scientific innovation in achieving these critical goals.