The inaugural meeting of the APRU Forest Ecosystems Living Lab Initiative (FELLI), hosted by the University of British Columbia in Vancouver from December 9 to 12, brought together six partner universities to set the agenda for this ambitious project. This gathering aimed to establish a shared foundation for the realization of FELLI and to develop a forward-looking vision for its future. The meeting highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing critical issues related to forest ecosystems, with a focus on creating tangible and measurable outcomes that will drive sustainable forest management and conservation.

The APRU network partners are University of British Columbia Vancouver, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Kyushu University, National Taiwan University, University of the Philippines Los Baños, and Universiti Malaya.

“The launch of APRU FELLI reflects the extreme importance of forests for ecosystem services that are imperative for our health and well-being, as well as for the health of our planet,” said APRU Chief Strategy Officer Christina Schönleber. “It sets the stage for proposal development resulting in tangible and measurable outcomes.”

The meeting’s sessions were moderated by Dominik Roeser, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of the University of British Colombia’s Faculty of Forestry, and Juan Manuel Guayasamín Ernest, Vice Dean and Professor of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito’s College of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Hélène Marcoux, Manager of the University of British Columbia’s Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, led a forest walk to the old growth forest.

Close to 20 participants discussed and identified priorities for the project’s research component and determined the next steps, including:

Amplify the Initiative’s Reach:

Propel FELLI into the spotlight across the APRU network and its community of partners. This includes the creation of a dedicated webpage that not only disseminates comprehensive information about the project but also showcases groundbreaking research papers, fostering a hub of knowledge and innovation.

Empower Student Engagement and Education:

Ignite a passion for forest ecosystems among students by developing a unified introductory course that serves as a cornerstone of their education. Establish a vibrant network of forestry students, creating a dynamic community that collaborates, learns, and leads the way in sustainable forest management.

Pioneer Project Development and Research:

Chart a course for pioneering research by identifying key focus areas and securing essential funding sources. This strategic approach will drive the development of impactful projects that push the boundaries of our understanding and management of forest ecosystems.

Inform Policy through University Forest Challenges:

Leverage the unique challenges faced by university forests to inform and shape policy on forest protection. By addressing these challenges, we can develop informed, evidence-based policies that safeguard our forests and ensure their health and resilience for future generations.