By Nadine Block, Senior VP Community and Government Relations, Sustainable Forestry Initiative
Collaboration is critical to ensure the sustainability of our planet. People and organizations are seeking solutions that ensure our forests, through responsible management, make positive contributions to the long-term health of people and the planet.
The 2024 Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Annual Conference, taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, from June 4-7, embraces this potential under the theme “Forests for the Future: Nature and Community Grown Solutions.” We invite all NASF members to join us in celebrating how far we’ve come in promoting sustainable forestry while setting a vision for creating an even better tomorrow through proactive forest stewardship today.
From forestry professionals and government policymakers to Indigenous communities, conservationists, and researchers, everyone has a role to play in the future of our forests. It’s this spirit of partnership that will be on full display at the SFI Annual Conference as an array of diverse perspectives convene to share insights around the future of sustainable forestry.
The agenda aligns with the top priorities of state forestry agencies, such as climate resiliency, biodiversity conservation, community engagement, and more. Here are just a few of the many engaging sessions taking place at our conference this year:
→ Climate Resiliency Strategies and Opportunities
Gain insights into advancements in climate smart forestry management practices and investment strategies. Scientists and practitioners will highlight approaches for addressing climate adaptation and mitigation requirements in the SFI Forest Management Standard, climate reporting opportunities, and strategies for broadening the reach on the ground.
→ Conservation of Species at Risk
Over decades, SFI standards have catalyzed forest management practices, improving wildlife habitat recognized for its conservation value. Scientists, industry leaders, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will discuss regulatory breakthroughs monitoring tech innovations, as well as partnerships protecting at-risk species in managed forests.
→ Creating Positive Change with Communities
Communities of all kinds, from rural areas to cities, rely on forests’ social, environmental, and economic benefits–an ethos underlying NASF’s endorsement of SFI’s new Urban and Community Forest Standard. This session provides strategies for creating positive change by strengthening forest ties with urban and Indigenous communities.
Across these compelling sessions, the 2024 SFI Annual Conference represents a pivotal opportunity for state forestry leaders and professionals nationwide to help shape a future where our forests truly serve current and future generations.
“No more fitting a theme could underscore this year’s SFI annual conference, whose emphasis in addressing the most pervasive environmental issue of our time – climate change, particularly as it concerns the management, productivity and sustainability of our forests – makes this international gathering a must-attend for forestry agency leaders everywhere,” said South Carolina State Forester Scott Phillips. “The intertwined, full-circle focus on evolving management practices, species conservation and community engagement promises to bring multiple disciplines to bear in shaping the future of forestry worldwide.”
Don’t miss this chance to engage with the foremost leaders in the forest sector. Check out the full details of the 2024 SFI Annual Conference.
We hope to see you in Atlanta!
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative is a globally operating nonprofit whose mission is to advance sustainability through forest-focused collaboration. Learn more at www.forests.org.