New episode of IUFRO's Branching out podcast explores forest biodiversity and genetic resources
A new IUFRO's Branching out: the forest podcast episode is out! This time the conversation is about the relationship between biodiversity and other services forests provide, and it includes a segment on forest genetic resources.
Jose Bolaños (IUFRO) presents the podcast and has a co-host spotlight that rotates to offer diverse perspectives. This time, Peter Edwards, a senior researcher at Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, New Zealand, takes the role. Peter urges us to think beyond the physical forest products and the services that forests provide. Both set the stage and talked about how forests are not just trees but the tapestry of life on land.
Sally Aitken, project leader of two large-scale projects studying adaptation, namely AdapTree and CoAdapTree at the University of British Columbia, guides us through the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. She reveals how diversity forms the backbone of resilient ecosystems, providing us with essential services. Sally emphasises the need to embrace diversity at both species and genetic levels, with research as our compass in the face of change.
Next Marjana Westergren, active contributor to EUFORGEN from the Slovenian Forestry Institute, shares her insight about forest genetic resources and diversity, a cornerstone for ecosystem services. Marjana also explores the untapped potential of less-studied tree species, stressing the importance of responsible use and experimentation.
After that, the episode goes into a journey through a forest landscape restoration project in Sri Lanka with K.M.A. Bandara, who walks us through a real-world example, showcasing how removing an invasive species positively impacts biodiversity and how the key to the success of these projects is legislative support, clear objectives, and stakeholder involvement.
Last but certainly not least, Nazmus Sadath from Khulna University in Bangladesh shares his views on how effective governance, integrated policies, and community involvement are critical for halting biodiversity loss and why collaboration is key to successful forest landscape restoration.
The first season of the podcast focuses on XXVI IUFRO World Congress and the deadline for early-bird registration is approaching (15 January), so do not miss the chance (more at iufro2024.com).
Tune in to Branching Out: the forest podcast on your favourite platform. Now available at Spotify and Apple Podcasts as well as on the IUFRO website!
