Parallel meetings
Presently, up to 10 pre-session and parallel meetings are expected to be held in conjunction with the 25th session of APFC. Currently, proposed seminars and workshops include topics ranging across:- Forests and natural disasters
- Forest landscape restoration
- REDD+ and climate change
- Forest invasive species
- Implementing the Forest Instrument
- Forestry education
- Mainstreaming gender issues in forestry
- Strategic planning and financing
Sunday 3 November 2013
Venue: Millennium Hotel, Corner Eruera & Hinemaru Streets, RotoruaWORKSHOP ON FOREST RESTORATION AT LANDSCAPE LEVEL IN ASIA-PACIFIC
Organizers: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); RECOFTC – The Centre for People and Forests
Considering the extent of degraded forests and lands in the Asia-Pacific region, interest in forest rehabilitation has been escalating. Despite the massive efforts put into rehabilitation work, success has remained modest. In recent years, the initiative has evolved into Forest Restoration at Landscape Level (FLR) approach. The FLR approach brings people together to identify, negotiate and implement practices that restore the ecological, social and economic benefits of forests and trees within a broader pattern of land uses. The workshop will focus on the need to shift away from pure technical solutions to one that is more holistic and takes into consideration the entire landscape and the needs of the people within it. A further objective of the workshop is to foster a partnership for greater collaboration among the various institutions in the region that are actively engaged in forest restoration.
Please click the links for the Program Agenda and Concept Note for more information on this workshop.
Maximum attendance: 80 people.
To pre-register for this event please contact: Simmathiri Appanah
WORKSHOP ON MAINSTREAMING GENDER ISSUES INTO FOREST POLICY
Organizers: RECOFTC – The Centre for People and Forests; Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
This one day regional workshop will enhance learning among stakeholders, including policy makers, on promoting integration of gender equality in national forest policy. Participants will discuss and learn about current challenges and opportunities with regard to integrating gender perspectives into national forest policy, highlighting their country contexts. Stakeholders representing eight APFC member countries—Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Fiji, Nepal and Sri Lanka—are expected to participate in the workshop, thereby providing a platform for cross-country learning and sharing of experiences in integrating gender perspectives into national forest policy.
Maximum Attendance: 30 people (Attendance to this event needs pre-registration)
To pre-register for this event please contact: Ms Wang Hong
WHAT HAS REDD+ DONE FOR US?
Organizers: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/UN-REDD
Since December 2007, when the discussions on REDD+ began in earnest, most countries in the Asia-Pacific region have engaged in efforts to become ready for a future mechanism. These efforts are known collectively as 'REDD+ Readiness'. In addition to preparing countries for a potential international REDD+ mechanism at some point in the future, many Readiness activities result in tangible, long-term sustainable benefits for the forest sector as a whole. The investment and attention that REDD+ has brought to the forest sector will have a significant impact on policy and practice, which merits wider attention. This event will examine, critically, what practical 'no regrets' benefits we may expect from REDD+ Readiness in the coming years.
THIRD FORESTRY COLLEGE DEANS' MEETING IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION: EVOLVING METHODS OF CURRICULUM DELIVERY IN POST-SECONDARY FOREST EDUCATION
Organizers: Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet); Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Forestry education is crucial for achieving sustainable forest management and regional sustainable development goals. In recent years, green development has become the focus of the international community, which presents emerging and complex requirements for updating forestry and related policies. To be able to keep up with this progress, the methods of curriculum delivery in forestry education, especially in the post-secondary education, need to adapt to those changes accordingly. Building on the success of previous meetings and to respond to changing demand in the context of evolving forestry development, the Third Forestry College Deans’ Meeting in the Asia-Pacific Region is planned with the theme of “Evolving methods of curriculum delivery in post-secondary forest education”, to keep the Forestry College Deans Meeting Mechanism in Asia-Pacific Region (FCDMM-APR) on agenda and explore more pragmatic cooperative activities. Meanwhile, an online forestry courses development project under the FCDMM-APR will be launched during the meeting.
Maximum Attendance: 50 people
To pre-register for this event please contact: Ms. Chen Lin, or FCDMM Office.
SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT FOR PROSPERITY IN THE PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES
Organizers: Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC); Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Forests and trees play significant roles in the lives of Pacific Islanders, economically, socially, culturally and environmentally. However, forest and tree resources continue to face threats from unsustainable practices and uncoordinated developments.
The side event will present some experiences on how forest management in the Pacific Island Countries has improved in recent years, contributing to the well-being of the Pacific communities. The programme will comprise a keynote presentation and a panel discussion to focus on the question, “Sustainable forest management – a dream or a reality?” The panel will consist of speakers from Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian countries, together with representatives from SPC and the private sector, to be moderated by Dr. Wulf Killmann of GIZ. To know more about forestry development in the Pacific islands, please join us for the Pacific side event and share your experiences and thoughts on the issue.
Maximum Attendance: 70 people
To pre-register for this event please contact: Chris Brown
WORKSHOP ON TOOLS FOR ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES IN FOREST ECOSYSTEMS
Organizers: Asia-Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network; USDA Forest Service; New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries; Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI); Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Forests are no longer pristine,undisturbed landscapes. Among the various factors that have contributed to this scenario, alien invasive species rank second only to habitat destruction. APFISN had been networking across 33 countries in the Asia-Pacific region to increase awareness on forest invasive species and build capacities to manage them. Estimation of both ecological and economic impacts of invasive species is a prerequisite to make stakeholders aware of the gravity of invasions and to prioritize them for rapid management. In forest ecosystems, unlike human modified landscapes, the process of impact assessment is often difficult, demanding special expertise due to the wide array of direct and indirect impacts. APFISN recognizes this as a major impediment in identifying and projecting the seriousness of invasions in most of its member countries. In this workshop, APFISN intends to equip researchers and forest managers with the latest tools and methods for impact assessment of forest invasive species. The workshop will comprise country assessments, lectures on impact assessment methods and hands on activities regarding both economic and ecological impact assessments. Modalities for establishing long-term monitoring systems for forest invasive species in the Asia-Pacific region will also be discussed.
N.B. This event will continue on Tuesday 5 November
IMPLEMENTING THE FOREST INSTRUMENT: EXPERIENCES FROM PILOT COUNTRIES
Organizer: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
In May 2007, the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) adopted the Non-legally Binding Instrument on All Types of Forests, which is also commonly known as the 'Forest Instrument'. This significant international consensus was reached to boost the implementation of sustainable forest management (SFM), and thus to maintain and enhance the economic, social and environmental values of all types of forests, for the benefit of present and future generations.
To pre-register for this event please contact: Simmathiri Appanah
WORKSHOP ON MAINSTREAMING GENDER ISSUES INTO FOREST POLICY
Organizers: RECOFTC – The Centre for People and Forests; Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
This one day regional workshop will enhance learning among stakeholders, including policy makers, on promoting integration of gender equality in national forest policy. Participants will discuss and learn about current challenges and opportunities with regard to integrating gender perspectives into national forest policy, highlighting their country contexts. Stakeholders representing eight APFC member countries—Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Fiji, Nepal and Sri Lanka—are expected to participate in the workshop, thereby providing a platform for cross-country learning and sharing of experiences in integrating gender perspectives into national forest policy.
Maximum Attendance: 30 people (Attendance to this event needs pre-registration)
WORKSHOP ON FORESTRY STRATEGIC PLANNING IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
Organizer: Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet); Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Sustainable forest management (SFM) is important for green growth. National forestry strategic plans, reflecting the forestry development situation, future directions and relevant supporting policies and interventions, play a critical role in sustainable forestry management. In the context of global challenges, such as climate change, ecosystem degradation, natural resources shortage, energy crisis, food security etc, economies in the Asia-Pacific region are in the process of reviewing and adjusting their Forestry Strategic Plans to adapt to and address global change. The workshop aims at: 1) Review of current national forestry strategic planning and implementation; 2) Identify gaps and key challenges for forestry strategic plan development and implementation; 3) Share experiences and lessons learned in the process of development and implementation of national forestry strategic plans; and 4) Establishing an effective communication and information-sharing mechanism to promote development and implementation of national forestry strategic plans.
Organizer: Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet); Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Sustainable forest management (SFM) is important for green growth. National forestry strategic plans, reflecting the forestry development situation, future directions and relevant supporting policies and interventions, play a critical role in sustainable forestry management. In the context of global challenges, such as climate change, ecosystem degradation, natural resources shortage, energy crisis, food security etc, economies in the Asia-Pacific region are in the process of reviewing and adjusting their Forestry Strategic Plans to adapt to and address global change. The workshop aims at: 1) Review of current national forestry strategic planning and implementation; 2) Identify gaps and key challenges for forestry strategic plan development and implementation; 3) Share experiences and lessons learned in the process of development and implementation of national forestry strategic plans; and 4) Establishing an effective communication and information-sharing mechanism to promote development and implementation of national forestry strategic plans.
Attendance of this event is by invitation only.
To pre-register for this event please contact: Ms Wang Hong
WHAT HAS REDD+ DONE FOR US?
Organizers: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/UN-REDD
Since December 2007, when the discussions on REDD+ began in earnest, most countries in the Asia-Pacific region have engaged in efforts to become ready for a future mechanism. These efforts are known collectively as 'REDD+ Readiness'. In addition to preparing countries for a potential international REDD+ mechanism at some point in the future, many Readiness activities result in tangible, long-term sustainable benefits for the forest sector as a whole. The investment and attention that REDD+ has brought to the forest sector will have a significant impact on policy and practice, which merits wider attention. This event will examine, critically, what practical 'no regrets' benefits we may expect from REDD+ Readiness in the coming years.
Click here for more information on this workshop.
To pre-register for this event please contact: Mr Ben Vickers
Monday 4 November 2013
Venue: Rotorua Energy Events Centre, Queens Drive, Government Gardens, RotoruaTHIRD FORESTRY COLLEGE DEANS' MEETING IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION: EVOLVING METHODS OF CURRICULUM DELIVERY IN POST-SECONDARY FOREST EDUCATION
Organizers: Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet); Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Forestry education is crucial for achieving sustainable forest management and regional sustainable development goals. In recent years, green development has become the focus of the international community, which presents emerging and complex requirements for updating forestry and related policies. To be able to keep up with this progress, the methods of curriculum delivery in forestry education, especially in the post-secondary education, need to adapt to those changes accordingly. Building on the success of previous meetings and to respond to changing demand in the context of evolving forestry development, the Third Forestry College Deans’ Meeting in the Asia-Pacific Region is planned with the theme of “Evolving methods of curriculum delivery in post-secondary forest education”, to keep the Forestry College Deans Meeting Mechanism in Asia-Pacific Region (FCDMM-APR) on agenda and explore more pragmatic cooperative activities. Meanwhile, an online forestry courses development project under the FCDMM-APR will be launched during the meeting.
Please click here for the programme.
Maximum Attendance: 50 people
To pre-register for this event please contact: Ms. Chen Lin, or FCDMM Office.
SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT FOR PROSPERITY IN THE PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES
Organizers: Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC); Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Forests and trees play significant roles in the lives of Pacific Islanders, economically, socially, culturally and environmentally. However, forest and tree resources continue to face threats from unsustainable practices and uncoordinated developments.
The side event will present some experiences on how forest management in the Pacific Island Countries has improved in recent years, contributing to the well-being of the Pacific communities. The programme will comprise a keynote presentation and a panel discussion to focus on the question, “Sustainable forest management – a dream or a reality?” The panel will consist of speakers from Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian countries, together with representatives from SPC and the private sector, to be moderated by Dr. Wulf Killmann of GIZ. To know more about forestry development in the Pacific islands, please join us for the Pacific side event and share your experiences and thoughts on the issue.
SEMINAR ON FORESTS AND NATURAL DISASTERS
Organizers: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Asia Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions (APAFRI); Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)
Forests and forestry have crucial roles – and limitations – in mitigating some natural disasters and their impacts, and in post-disaster reconstruction and recovery. Evidence from the Asia-Pacific region demonstrates that forests, when appropriately planned and managed, can withstand and protect against natural disasters of varying degrees and types including tsunami, storm surges, cyclones, landslides and floods. Appropriately planned forests and tree planting can mitigate the spread and impacts of wildfires, rehabilitate landslide-affected areas, help to stabilize slopes and protect riparian zones. Wood is an important building material in post-disaster reconstruction and particularly appropriate in earthquake-prone areas. This seminar will focus on promulgating knowledge of the role of forests in mitigating natural disasters, catalysing policy reforms relating to forests and natural disasters and enhancing disaster preparedness.
Organizers: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Asia Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions (APAFRI); Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)
Forests and forestry have crucial roles – and limitations – in mitigating some natural disasters and their impacts, and in post-disaster reconstruction and recovery. Evidence from the Asia-Pacific region demonstrates that forests, when appropriately planned and managed, can withstand and protect against natural disasters of varying degrees and types including tsunami, storm surges, cyclones, landslides and floods. Appropriately planned forests and tree planting can mitigate the spread and impacts of wildfires, rehabilitate landslide-affected areas, help to stabilize slopes and protect riparian zones. Wood is an important building material in post-disaster reconstruction and particularly appropriate in earthquake-prone areas. This seminar will focus on promulgating knowledge of the role of forests in mitigating natural disasters, catalysing policy reforms relating to forests and natural disasters and enhancing disaster preparedness.
Please click here for further information.
Maximum Attendance: 70 people
To pre-register for this event please contact: Chris Brown
WORKSHOP ON TOOLS FOR ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES IN FOREST ECOSYSTEMS
Organizers: Asia-Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network; USDA Forest Service; New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries; Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI); Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Forests are no longer pristine,undisturbed landscapes. Among the various factors that have contributed to this scenario, alien invasive species rank second only to habitat destruction. APFISN had been networking across 33 countries in the Asia-Pacific region to increase awareness on forest invasive species and build capacities to manage them. Estimation of both ecological and economic impacts of invasive species is a prerequisite to make stakeholders aware of the gravity of invasions and to prioritize them for rapid management. In forest ecosystems, unlike human modified landscapes, the process of impact assessment is often difficult, demanding special expertise due to the wide array of direct and indirect impacts. APFISN recognizes this as a major impediment in identifying and projecting the seriousness of invasions in most of its member countries. In this workshop, APFISN intends to equip researchers and forest managers with the latest tools and methods for impact assessment of forest invasive species. The workshop will comprise country assessments, lectures on impact assessment methods and hands on activities regarding both economic and ecological impact assessments. Modalities for establishing long-term monitoring systems for forest invasive species in the Asia-Pacific region will also be discussed.
N.B. This event will continue on Tuesday 5 November
Attendance of this event is by invitation only.
Friday 8 November 2013
Venue: Rotorua Energy Events Centre, Queens Drive, Government Gardens, RotoruaIMPLEMENTING THE FOREST INSTRUMENT: EXPERIENCES FROM PILOT COUNTRIES
Organizer: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
In May 2007, the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) adopted the Non-legally Binding Instrument on All Types of Forests, which is also commonly known as the 'Forest Instrument'. This significant international consensus was reached to boost the implementation of sustainable forest management (SFM), and thus to maintain and enhance the economic, social and environmental values of all types of forests, for the benefit of present and future generations.
In close coordination with the UNFF Secretariat, FAO has been supporting the implementation of the Forest Instrument in pilot countries and has conducted capacity building events to raise awareness of the Instrument and offer approaches for implementation. In this side event, representatives of pilot countries in Asia will provide their perspectives on the significance of the Instrument for their counties and discuss their experiences with implementation.
Open participation.
