EFI Strategy 2040

Geopolitical shifts, conflicts and cyber threats are straining global governance and fragmenting cooperation. Polarisation around values and interests challenges institutions and decision-making, while misinformation, including on forests and climate, erodes trust in science and policy.

Globalisation deepens interdependence but also creates vulnerabilities, as shown by recent pandemics and conflicts. Overexploitation of natural resources exposes the unsustainability of prevailing economic models, with major implications for prosperity and stability.

Demographic trends such as growth, ageing, urbanisation and migration are reshaping consumption and land use. Inequalities within and between societies risk undermining cohesion and the ability to achieve inclusive sustainability transitions.

Digitalisation, artificial intelligence and biotechnology create opportunities for innovation and sustainability but raise questions of access, equity and governance. Without inclusive frameworks, they risk deepening divides and power imbalances.

Climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and pollution are eroding the resilience of ecosystems and societies. These environmental shifts are both direct threats and multipliers of political, social and economic risks.

Shifts in values and norms influence behaviours, governance expectations and engagement. Disagreements over sustainability transitions reflect differing views of justice and equity, while polarised narratives put the role of science and reliable information under pressure.

We are committed to deepening the understanding of forests as integral parts of social-ecological systems. Our dynamic research and knowledge network will be further strengthened by promoting collaboration across disciplines, institutions and regions, and by drawing on the diversity and expertise of our members. This strong community provides a unique foundation for generating robust, relevant and timely knowledge and insights. We aim to develop and support evidence-based solutions and generate opportunities for their co-creation with practitioners, decision-makers and society.

We strive to support informed and forward-looking decision-making by providing reliable and policy- relevant knowledge on forests. We equip a wide range of actors, including policymakers, practitioners, civil society and the private sector with insights that reflect the interconnected nature of environmental, social and economic challenges and opportunities. By translating scientific evidence into actionable pathways and facilitating dialogue among diverse actors, decisions are grounded in evidence, inclusive perspectives and long-term sustainability.

We recognise that credible and durable forest-related solutions are built on trust, inclusiveness and shared ownership of knowledge. Dialogue and collaborative approaches help connect scientific and professional expertise with public values and societal needs. We are committed to co-creating and sharing knowledge with diverse actors, including local communities, youth, media, practitioners, policymakers and researchers, to enable forest-related decisions and narratives to become more relevant, trusted and broadly supported.

This theme focuses on strengthening the adaptability and long-term resilience of forest landscapes. It integrates sustainable forest management with biodiversity conservation and enhancement, climate-smart practices, and ecosystem restoration and adaptation. Resilience is essential in rural, urban and peri-urban settings, where forests and trees provide critical benefits for communities and their wellbeing. It recognises that resilience depends on ecological diversity, adaptive capacity of social systems, cultural values and governance. Addressing the growing impacts of disturbances, it also highlights the need for viable ownership structures, stable markets and profitability to sustain forests and support a resilient bioeconomy and reduced use of fossil resources.

This theme highlights the role of traditional and innovative forest-based products, services and green infrastructure in building sustainable and circular economies. EFI supports cross-sector partnerships, innovation and evidence-informed policies that drive prosperity while safeguarding ecosystems. This includes assessing both the benefits and risks of technological solutions, and strengthening the role of forests, trees and agroforestry in diverse landscapes. Such approaches contribute to sustainable development, climate adaptation, and more liveable and healthier rural and urban environments.
 

This theme centres around governance systems that are inclusive, equitable and knowledge-based. It examines how such systems are developed and function, and how they can enhance transparency, empower local actors, respect rights, and strengthen conflict-resolution capacity. Education, public awareness and international cooperation are essential for effective governance. Adaptive systems are needed to link forest, land-use and climate agendas across sectors and jurisdictions, and to integrate forest governance into wider urban and landscape approaches.

This theme focuses on identifying and advancing approaches that foster meaningful participation and co- creation. EFI works to understand what enables inclusive dialogue, mutual learning and trust-building among scientists, policymakers, forest owners, businesses, media and citizens. Attention is given to methods that combine different knowledge sources, encourage youth engagement, and use digital innovation to broaden access. By testing and promoting effective practices, we support co-created forest- related solutions that reflect diverse values, experiences and knowledge systems.