To enhance the capacity for sustainable forest management (SFM) in the Asia-Pacific region by using innovative pedagogical method to convey SFM knowledge and related issues to various forestry stakeholders through a combination of web-based learning, onsite training, and the sharing of results and experiences.
To develop core SFM courses that form the foundation for a widely adopted core curriculum in the region.
To create a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences in educating the next generation of foresters in the Asia Pacific;
To facilitate collaboration on forestry education between developed and developing economies;
To promote reforms in forestry education across the APR and establish a model for sharing results.
Development of six web-based SFM courses.
Development of an online learning website.
Development of an on-site training package focused on SFM.
Organization of two international conferences on online learning in forestry education.
The project successfully enhanced SFM education in the Asia-Pacific by leveraging digital learning tools, fostering international collaboration, and providing accessible training for forestry professionals. Its long-term impact is sustained through continued use, institutional adoption, and integration into regional forestry education frameworks.
The project developed six online courses covering key topics such as governance, forest restoration, and sustainable resource use. These courses are accessible through a digital platform (http://apfecm.forestry.ubc.ca/sfm-online-courses/) integrated into the Asia-Pacific Forestry Education Coordination Mechanism (APFECM), ensuring long-term sustainability.
The project also conducted training workshops for forestry educators and professionals, including sessions at UBC and field-based learning experiences, enhancing teaching methodologies and knowledge-sharing. International events, such as those at the World Forestry Congress 2015 in South Africa and the Asia-Pacific Forestry Week 2016 in the Philippines, facilitated global discussions on innovative forestry education. The project’s materials and reports have contributed to policy discussions on forestry education reform and have been recognized as exemplary online education models.
The courses remain publicly available and are being upgraded for certification through Open edX, with universities across the region integrating them into their forestry programs, ensuring ongoing benefits for forestry education and capacity building.
