RECOFTC at the 5th Asia-Pacific Forestry Week

Exemplary forest management revisited: Insights from successes and challenges

Location: S5: Sukhothai 2, Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Co-organized by RECOFTC, FAO, the Wyss Academy for Nature and the International Society of Tropical Foresters, this side event draws on two decades of FAO’s In Search of Excellence initiative to explore progress and ongoing challenges in sustainable forest management at the global and regional levels, including the Asia-Pacific region. A panel discussion will highlight case studies from Indonesia, Japan and Nepal on how approaches to governance, participatory decision-making, community engagement, restoration and benefit-sharing have adapted to the diverse pressures facing forests. These cases reflect a range of management objectives, including timber and non-timber production, watershed protection, biodiversity conservation and community benefits. The launch of publication Exemplary forest management revisited: Insights from successes and challenges (2025) offers new lessons for managing forests in a rapidly changing Asia-Pacific.

Welcome and introduction
Emcee: Paula Sarigumba, Communications and Outreach Officer, International Tropical Timber Organization

Opening remarks
Tabata Akiko, Forestry Agency of Japan, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan

In search of excellence revisited: Global overview
Kenichi Shono, Forestry Officer, FAO

Key insights and lessons learned from Asia-Pacific case studies
David Ganz, Executive Director, RECOFTC

Case study presentations and panel discussion

Moderator: Patrick Durst, President, International Society of Tropical Foresters

• Japan case study: Rumiko Ito, Junior Professional Officer, FAO
• Nepal case study: Niraj Babu Bhatta, Senior Programme Officer, RECOFTC Nepal
• Indonesia case study: Gamma Galudra, Country Director, RECOFTC Indonesia

Way forward and conclusion
Illias Animon, Forestry Officer, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

Closing 
Emcee: Paula Sarigumba, Communications and Outreach Officer, International Tropical Timber Organization

Communicating change: Growing the solution

Location: S6: Sukhothai 1, Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Organized by the Regional Forest Communicators Network, this side event explores how communication in the forestry sector is evolving in response to rapid changes and innovations across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. Drawing on regional success stories and global initiatives such as the Grow the Solution campaign, the session will highlight how communication, awareness-raising and broad audience engagement drive forest-positive action. Featuring insights from experienced communicators and practical recommendations, it aims to inspire collaboration and strengthen the role of communication in shaping healthy, forest-based futures.

Panelists:

• Marianela Argüello, Lead, Forest Communicators Network for Latin America and the Caribbean
• Kai Lintunen, Lead, UNECE-FAO Forest Communicators Network
• Mary Ann Llanza, Director, Knowledge Management, IT and Strategic Communication, RECOFTC
• Paula Sarigumba, Communications and Outreach Officer, International Tropical Timber Organization

Moderator: David Ganz, RECOFTC

Igniting change in Asia-Pacific: Food security through collaborations on community-based fire management

Location: S14: Sukhothai 1, Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Organized by RECOFTC, the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet) and the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), this side event explores how fire, once a traditional tool in agriculture, has become a growing threat to forests and food security in the Asia-Pacific region. Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of wildfires, threatening forests, biodiversity, livelihoods and public health across the region. Indigenous Peoples and local communities are among those most affected and their knowledge and leadership are essential to achieving sustainable fire management, climate resilience and inclusive landscape governance. Regional actors have launched collaborative initiatives to address these challenges. This side event will highlight collaborations and innovations that place communities at the centre of fire and landscape management, strengthening food security and livelihoods in the Asia-Pacific region. It will share new information, approaches and partnerships at regional and global levels to combat forest fires, and showcase practical, community-based and nature-based solutions that build resilience and capacities, reduce risks and promote inclusive participation.

Welcome and introduction
Emcee: Utsav Maden, Communications and Knowledge Management Officer, RECOFTC

Opening remarks, David Ganz, Executive Director, RECOFTC

Fireside chat
Moderator: Janita Gurung, Programme Lead, Improved governance and respect for rights, RECOFTC

• Tropical Fire Management Toolkit: Jennifer Conje, Director of Forest Management, ITTO
• Southeast Asia Fire Management Mechanism: Kebiao Huang, Head of Planning Division, APFNet
• Forest and Farm Facility: Sudha Khadka, Director, RECOFTC Nepal
• Community-based Fire Management and FLARE: David Ganz, RECOFTC

Q&A

Closing remarks and way forward
Philippe Brunet, Head of Cooperation, Regional Thematic Hub in Bangkok, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation