On June 21st, MegaFlorestais leaders from around the world met to share the ways their agencies are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has introduced several unprecedented
challenges – along with new opportunities – to the forestry sector.
This conference, the third in the 2021 MegaFlorestais webinar series, featured presentations by Herman Sundqvist of the Swedish Forest Agency and Co-President of MegaFlorestais, Vicki Christiansen of the U.S. Forest Service, and Bambang Supriyanto of the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Their deep dives into each country’s learning from the COVID-19 crisis were followed by a roundtable discussion in which all leaders could contribute. Many countries noted that work arrangements made during the crisis, such as work from home policies and increased online engagement, will be carried forward since they prove, at least anecdotally, to be more productive. Delegates reported that COVID-19 has made it harder than ever to reach rural forest communities for the purpose of monitoring forest activities and investments, but this challenge has increased governments’ awareness of the need to invest in rural internet access and remote forest monitoring tools. Additionally, forest agencies have noted that stakeholders are increasingly enthusiastic about developing a circular economy through the sustainable development and re-use of forest products, offering an opportunity for responsible investors. This exchange demonstrated that forest agencies around the world continue to face common challenges and opportunities.
A recording of Chief Christiansen’s presentation can be downloaded here, and a recording of Director General Sundqvist’s presentation can likewise be downloaded here.