Pacific Forestry Professionals To Work Closer Together

Pacific Forestry Professionals To Work Closer Together

Delegates to the 7th ANZIF Conference have agreed that forestry professionals in the Pacific region will work closer together on such matters as promotion and advocacy for the production and use of timber and other forest products, the sustainable management of forests and the need for greater professional forestry input into forest policies in the region.

ANZIF is the four-yearly joint conference between the New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) and the Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA). The 2011 conference, held during the United Nations International Year of Forests, included participation by the Commonwealth Forestry Association (CFA) and forestry professionals from the wider Pacific region.

Over 300 forestry professionals from 20 countries assembled at Sky City, Auckland for the conference “Pacific Forestry – Growing a Forestry Future”. During the conference, delegates debated a wide range of issues facing forests, forestry and forestry professionals, before agreeing to a set of 20 items which have been referred to the NZIF, the IFA and the CFA for further action.

“Delegates were united in the need for greater recognition of the value of sustainably managed forests and for recognition that timber and other forest products are essential for society and have environmental benefits not found in many products used by modern society that are not derived from forests”, said Dr Andrew McEwen, President of the NZIF.

The conference also called for greater support for forestry professionals in smaller Pacific countries from the NZIF, IFA and CFA. “During the conference steps were taken to initiate a network of forestry professionals to increase engagement with our Pacific neighbours and to investigate ways in which the NZIF and IFA might facilitate exchanges of personnel and experience and promote the use of professional standards including codes of ethics” said Dr McEwen. “This is certainly something I am keen to see happen and will work with my colleagues in NZIF and with the IFA and CFA to see what we can do to help.”
“It is also a concern that governments throughout the region, including Australia and New Zealand, have reduced the role of professional forestry advisers, despite the importance of forests in contributing to carbon capture and storage”, said Dr Peter Volker, President of the IFA. “Our Pacific neighbours are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts as a result of our domestic forest policies,” he added.

The full text of the conference recommendation is attached.

ENDS

Background to NZIF
The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF), with a membership of over 840, is the organisation for NZ forestry professionals. Its main objective is to be an independent advocate for forestry, and to provide services and support to members, the profession and the general public. Its members are concerned with the professional management of all forests, plantation and indigenous, protection and commercial. The members can be found in forestry companies, consulting businesses, research institutes, educational facilities, government departments and providers of specialist services. The NZIF operates a scheme that controls the registration and conduct of forestry consultants who provide forestry advice to the public. There are 84 registered NZIF members.
Website: www.nzif.org.nz
Background to IFA
Established in 1935, the Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA) is a professional body with over 1350 members engaged in all branches of forest management and conservation in Australia. The Institute is strongly committed to the principles of sustainable forest management and the processes and practices which translate these principles into outcomes.
The membership represents all segments of the forestry profession, including public and private practitioners engaged in many aspects of forestry, nature conservation, resource and land management, research, administration and education. Membership is not restricted to professional Foresters. Other forestry professionals are welcome to join IFA.
Website: www.forestry.org.au
Background to CFA
The Commonwealth Forestry Association (CFA) is the world's longest established international forestry association, tracing its history back to 1921. Today it unites foresters, scientists, students, NGOs and policy makers throughout the world in a unique international network that provides professional support to its members and forms a key element of civil society.
Website: www.cfa-international.org

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