A view of the opening ceremony of the 2026 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry. Photos by Wang Haolan

The 2026 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry concluded in Shenzhen on July 28, with high-level representatives from 21 APEC economies and seven international organizations adopting a joint statement aimed at accelerating sustainable forestry and technological innovation.

Over the two-day event, ministers, experts, and scholars focused on aligning global forest goals with green industry development. The newly adopted joint statement urges member economies to integrate sustainable forest management into national economic policies, strengthen biodiversity conservation, and clamp down on the illegal trade of forest products. It also calls for increased investment in forestry development and legal trade, alongside efforts to upgrade value chains in forest product processing.

Additionally, the statement highlights the importance of regional cooperation in urban forestry and water resource management, emphasizing the use of technological innovation to restore ecosystems and combat habitat fragmentation.

Eduardo Pedrosa, executive director of the APEC Secretariat, underscored the urgency of the regional talks.

"Addressing sustainable forestry is incredibly important," Pedrosa said. "APEC had a goal to increase forest cover by 20 million hectares by 2020, and that was achieved. But as we heard from the ministers, they are continuing and even expanding those efforts."

Delegates take a photo after the meeting.

The Asia-Pacific region is a critical ecological and economic corridor, housing over half of the world's forest area, approximately 60% of global forest product output, and 40% of its trade. It is also home to some of the world's most diverse terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, including nearly half of the planet's mangroves.

China's ecological contributions highlighted

As a major player in the region, China has contributed 25% of the world's newly added green space. Currently, 18% of the country’s land is under strict protection within a nature reserve system that includes its first five national parks and a newly established national botanical garden system.

Through systematic governance integrating the conservation of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, grasslands, and deserts, China has reformed its collective forest tenure and state-owned forest management. These reforms have benefited over 100 million forest farmers and 12 million herders. In 2025, China's forestry and grassland industry reached a total output of 11 trillion yuan (US$1.6 trillion), supporting employment for more than 60 million people.

China has also prioritized regional forestry cooperation. It initiated the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet) and established policy dialogue platforms, including the Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Forestry in Greater Central Asia. To date, China has invested more than US$45 million to support more than 20 member economies in implementing over 50 forestry demonstration projects, restoring more than 1,300 hectares of degraded land. It has also hosted study programs for over 200 forestry officials and provided specialized training for around 440 forestry managers.

Wang Chunfeng, secretary-general of APFNet, noted China’s significant role, stating that "roughly 25% of the world's net forest increase has come from China." He outlined future collaborations with the International Mangrove Center and the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization on ecological restoration, capacity building, and policy frameworks. Wang added that APFNet’s 2026–2030 strategy will focus on improving local livelihoods and aligning closely with global climate and biodiversity goals.

Balancing urbanization and nature

The ministerial meeting is a flagship event of APEC China 2026 and marks the first APEC meeting with an ecological theme hosted by China in 15 years.

On the sidelines of the summit, delegates visited an exhibition showcasing China’s progress in ecological civilization. They also took part in field visits across Shenzhen, participating in mangrove seedling planting, viewing smart forestry demonstrations, and touring the Dasha River Ecological Corridor to observe how the city balances rapid economic growth with environmental protection.

Delegates visit the stall of Shenzhen Orchidaceae Plant Protection Research Center ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2026 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry.

Pedrosa praised Shenzhen's urban planning approach.

"It's fascinating to see how Shenzhen has developed over the last two decades — skyscrapers alongside extensive greenery and protected mangroves," Pedrosa said. 

"Geospatial planning and zoning are crucial to ensure we urbanize without losing sustainability. Green spaces absorb heat and even act as firebreaks. Having those green barriers helps prevent fire risks."