APEC Forestry Ministers Issue Joint Statement

Following the conclusion of the 6th APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry, APEC ministers and representatives attending the ministerial meeting issued a joint statement in Shenzhen on Tuesday.

Reflecting the focus and outcomes of the meeting which was chaired by Liu Guohong, Administrator of National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China, the statement reflected consensus outcomes as ministers recognized the multiple values, services and contributions that forests, including mangroves, provide for economic growth and people’s wellbeing.

With a view to ecosystem restoration, mitigation of habitat fragmentation, and enhancement of human health, ministers called for strengthening cooperation and exchanges of experience and best practices on urban forestry and water resource management including through technological innovation and sustainable forest management (SFM). 

Ministers also encouraged the development of existing and new forest-based industries, goods and services, consistent with SFM, as well as the recognition and valuation of ecosystem services. 

Read the 2026 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry Joint Statement