Chiang Mai/Bangkok – Forests sustain over 22 million people, supporting livelihoods, food security, and agricultural productivity through ecosystem services such as pollination, soil fertility, and water regulation. They also act as carbon sinks and harbor rich biodiversity, making them critical to achieving the Paris Agreement, the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Yet, forests face growing pressures from land conversion, urbanization, unsustainable use, and climate-driven threats such as deforestation, wildfires, pests, and floods. Declining biodiversity and ecosystem services put millions of livelihoods at risk, according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation (FAO) report ‘The State of the World’s Forests 2024’.
More than 120 forestry experts, including Heads of Forestry from 20 countries are addressing these challenges at the Thirty-First Session of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission (APFC 31) and Asia-Pacific Forestry Week 2025 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and online from 3-7 November. Hosted by the Royal Forest Department of Thailand in collaboration with FAO, the event focuses on innovative forest management, inclusive partnerships, and supportive policies.
Forests as foundations of food security
The theme, “Healthy Forests Feed the Future,” highlights the role of forests in sustaining food systems and resilient landscapes. Discussions aim to guide regional priorities and help countries contribute to global biodiversity, climate, and development goals.
“This platform allows us to share Thailand’s experiences in sustainable forest management and learn from others,” said Nikorn Siratochananon, Director General, Royal Forest Department, Thailand. “It reinforces our shared commitment to conserve forests as a source of life, livelihoods, and food security.”
“Healthy forests are the backbone of healthy food systems,” said Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific. “Forests enhance food availability by supplying a diverse range of wild foods and supporting sustainable agriculture through ecosystem services such as pollination, water regulation, and soil protection.”
Key discussions and launches
Participants are exploring how forests contribute to sustainable agrifood systems, informed by the 2025 Global Forest Resources Assessment, and forest-based bioeconomy approaches that offer pathways for sustainable growth and green jobs.
The event also marks the launch of a new joint FAO–Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)–World Agroforestry (ICRAF) technical report, “Agroforestry for Wood Production – Insights from Multifunctional Smallholder Tree Farming Systems in Asia and the Pacific”, providing guidance for smallholder farmers to produce wood while maintaining ecosystem functions and diversifying incomes — an example of showing how healthy forests drive sustainable futures.
“The Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission (APFC) remains a vital bridge for regional collaboration,” said Preecha Ongprasert, Chair of the APFC. “Through shared knowledge and collective action, we can ensure forests truly feed the future.”
Regional collaboration and next steps
“As we approach COP30 in Brazil, the 31st APFC Session and APFW2025 bring together countries and partners to drive collaboration on the forest-based bioeconomy, restoration, climate and biodiversity action —underscoring the vital role of forests and trees in resilient agrifood systems.,” said Sheila Wertz-Kanounnikoff, APFC Secretary and FAO Senior Forestry Officer.
The sessions reaffirm collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society, and research networks to address regional forestry challenges and opportunities. Collaboration will also be key to ensuring that the 380 million smallholders across Asia and the Pacific, who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, are not left behind. Ongoing initiatives, such as Result Asia-Pacific, support the restoration of degraded lands and strengthen community resilience.
The next APFC session will be held in 2027, with the host country to be announced.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
