CATIE Stands Out at the IUFRO World Congress in Stockholm

• With its participation, the institution reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in forestry research and education.

CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) was a key player at the recent World Congress of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), held in Stockholm, Sweden, from June 23 to 29.

The event, held every five years, set participation records with over 4,300 people from 102 countries in its twenty-sixth edition.

CATIE, an active member of IUFRO, stood out at this congress through the Latin American Model Forest Network (RLABM), with four presentations, one of which was awarded the best poster in the non-timber forest products bioeconomy theme. In this way, CATIE demonstrated its leadership in forestry research.

The topics addressed included the participation of youth in natural resource management and participatory planning for restoration in Model Forests, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Special recognition was given to M.Sc. Juan Pablo Rodríguez Garavito, who made the presentations at the event, highlighting the work of co-author Alejandro Imbach, who passed away this year, in some of the works presented.

"As a CATIE graduate and currently in a postgraduate stay, it is an honor to have been able to represent the work we do as part of my thesis. We were able to showcase work in which many actors from the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala, participated. Additionally, receiving the recognition for the best poster in the Non-Timber Forest Products Bioeconomy category fills me with joy, excitement, and satisfaction. I thank my advisory committee: Roger Villalobos, Fernando Carrera, and of course, the great Alejandro Imbach, who was part of my thesis committee and marked so many of us students at CATIE's graduate school so decisively," he mentioned.

Alongside Juan Pablo, Fernando Carrera, Manager of the Latin American Model Forest Network and CATIE's Climate Action Unit, also participated.
Unidad de Acción Climática del CATIE.

"It is a source of pride and satisfaction to be able to showcase the work we do from the governance platforms that are the Model Forests in different parts of Latin America. It is work that involves the time and dedication of a team. We specifically presented the network's experience regarding youth involvement and participatory landscape restoration. We want to highlight the work of Natalia Ruiz-Guevara who could not travel, but Juan Pablo was able to represent her in the presentations she had," he said.

Contributions and Recommendations of the Congress

The IUFRO World Congress was not only a platform to present innovative research but also to establish crucial guidelines for the future of forests. Among the main recommendations were:

• Strengthening the resilience of forests and their adaptation to climate change.
• Maintaining and reinforcing the social values of forests for sustainable societies.
• Expanding the role of forests and forest products in a responsible circular bioeconomy.
• Transforming forest sciences for the future through a diverse and inclusive scientific network.

Transitions and Future

The event also marked a historic transition in the IUFRO presidency, as Dr. John Parrota handed over his position to Dr. Daniela Kleinschmit, who became the first female president in the organization's more than 130-year history. This change symbolizes a move towards greater inclusion and diversity in global scientific leadership.

With its participation and recognition in Stockholm, CATIE reaffirms its commitment to excellence in forestry research and education, positioning itself as a key leader in sustainable development and innovation in natural resource management.