The session brought together over 75 participants for a dynamic exchange on the role of forests in global climate strategies.
Opening the session, moderator Alexander Buck, IUFRO, emphasized that forests will play “a central role” at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) this November in Brazil. He stressed the importance of grounding climate policy in sound, science-based forest strategies. He also highlighted the mission TU4F to serve as a platform bridging science, policy, and practice.
Nelson Grima, partnership coordinator, pointed out that forests, climate, and biodiversity are “three aspects of the same system,” yet too often addressed through separate policy silos. He emphasized the need for integrated land-use planning, aligned national strategies, and financial coherence to ensure that climate and biodiversity goals reinforce rather than compete with one another. Recognizing the role of Indigenous Peoples and strengthening interministerial coordination were also underscored as key steps.
Achieving greater coherence between forest, climate, and biodiversity goals requires an integrated landscape and policy approach, one that aligns finance, governance, and local empowerment, concluded Nelson Grima.
Edith Paredes, Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), stressed the Amazon’s vital role in global climate stability and the need for regionally grounded, science-informed strategies. She introduced climate expert Isabel Villela, who presented projections of a 2.45°C temperature rise and sharp rainfall declines across the Amazon by 2050, evidence that the region is fast approaching a climate tipping point. Paredes stressed that ACTO is scaling up monitoring, strengthening data transparency, and advancing inclusive governance through regional networks and Indigenous-led mechanisms.
The Amazon is not just forest, it’s home to 50 million people… forest-based mitigation must be inclusive and aligned with long-term sustainability, centered on people, biodiversity, and governance, reminded Edith Paredes, underscoring the human dimension.
Gladys Naylor, Mondi, explained the critical role of sustainably managed working forests in building a resilient, low-carbon future. “We see forest management and wood-based products not only as part of the solution,” she stated, “but as essential tools to build a resilient and low-carbon economy.” Emphasizing that sustainable use, not just conservation, is key, Naylor outlined three pillars: sustainable working forests, robust regulatory frameworks, and credible science. She pointed out the importance of active forest management to support both ecosystems and bioeconomies, noting that “mature forests are increasingly vulnerable” and that adaptation is essential amid climate change. Drawing on recent studies and EU data, she observed that forest growth is slowing, and resilience must be strengthened. Naylor also underscored the importance of evolving regulations and certification to support multifunctional forest roles and called for stronger science-business-policy collaboration.
Sustainably managed working forests can be an answer, concluded Gladys Naylor, affirming TU4F’s role in helping bridge science and practice to ensure forests meet ecological, economic, and social expectations.
Bernard de Galembert, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), underscored the forest sector’s critical role in advancing global climate solutions. Spotlighting the contribution of forests to carbon sequestration, storage, and substitution, he stated:, “Business as usual is no longer an option, we need to do more and better.” De Galembert emphasized sustainable forest management, afforestation, and ecosystem restoration as business imperatives, noting that resilience and adaptation are increasingly essential for long-term viability. He called for transparency, better metrics, and stronger collaboration across sectors to ensure forests remain a cornerstone of the sustainable, circular bioeconomy.
In his closing remarks, Alexander Buck noted that forests are vital to climate mitigation, and strategies must be grounded in robust science and implemented through transparent, realistic processes. He emphasized the need to balance climate, biodiversity, and forest goals, while always recognizing the social dimensions of forest policy. “When we talk about forests, we also talk about people,” he remarked.
The webinar underscored the power of collaboration across science, policy, and business. As the world looks toward COP30, Teaming Up 4 Forests offers a vital platform to advance integrated, actionable solutions. Buck closed by inviting continued engagement, stating, “Let’s keep Teaming Up for Forests, on the road to COP30 and beyond.”
