In the dense forests of the Indo-Pacific, where the trees whisper stories of ancient ecosystems and the rivers run deep with life, the challenge of sustainable development has never been more urgent. Here, among the towering canopies and biodiversity hotspots, UBC Forestry has been quietly making a global impact, weaving together research, capacity building and international collaboration to combat climate change and restore balance to nature’s intricate web.
Research: A Climate Solution in the Palm of Your Hand
It was 2015 when UBC’s Faculty of Forestry embarked on an ambitious project to address climate resilience on a global scale. Led by Professor Guangyu Wang, the team developed ClimateAP, an advanced climate model that could adapt to the unique geographical and environmental contexts of the Indo-Pacific region. This innovation wasn’t just another data model—it was a lifeline for forest managers, policymakers and development agencies grappling with the realities of climate change.
ClimateAP’s precision is astonishing. By seamlessly integrating climate change data with geological and topographical information, it generates detailed, scale-free climate data for specific locations, from historical periods to future projections. This tool has already proven invaluable in countries like Taiwan, Malaysia and Indonesia, where forest ecosystems are both vital and vulnerable.
Dr. Wang’s pride in the model is evident: “The results generated by ClimateAP highly match those models developed by local experts, reaching about 99 per cent accuracy. With just a simple click, it provides detailed data on latitude, longitude, temperature and even predicts future environmental changes over the next century.”
By making ClimateAP freely available online, UBC has empowered local experts across the Indo-Pacific to better understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This, in turn, supports the region’s sustainable development efforts, offering hope in the face of a warming planet.
Restoring Biodiversity: The Lancang-Mekong Dream
In 2022, UBC took on another ambitious project—this time in the trans-boundary Lancang-Mekong region, a critical ecological corridor in Southeast Asia. Home to about 15 per cent of the world’s forests, this region’s biodiversity is under threat, and the challenges are as vast as the river that runs through it.
UBC’s solution was to introduce DReAM—the Degradation and Restoration Assessment Mechanism. Developed in collaboration with global stakeholders, including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and other international organizations, DReAM uses climate models like ClimateAP to assess forest degradation and develop targeted restoration strategies.
The beauty of DReAM lies in its adaptability. By incorporating regional knowledge and local expertise, it tailors restoration efforts to the specific needs of the Lancang-Mekong region. Dr. Wang explains, “Our indicators help local researchers study the area, uncover the reasons behind ecosystem degradation, and determine the most effective measures for restoration.”
As UBC Forestry continues to restore biodiversity in one of the world’s most important ecological regions, its work reminds us that solutions to global challenges often begin with local actions—guided by science, collaboration and a shared vision for a sustainable future.
Capacity Building: Education for a Greener Tomorrow
Beyond research, UBC Forestry has also become a cornerstone of education and capacity building in the Indo-Pacific region. In 2010, UBC partnered with Beijing Forestry University to establish the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (AP-FECM). This initiative wasn’t just about sharing academic knowledge; it was about building a platform for collaboration across the region’s forestry institutions.
AP-FECM has since grown into a vibrant network, with UBC serving as its Chair. Through this mechanism, forestry institutions from across the Indo-Pacific exchange ideas, share resources and address common challenges. UBC has played a leading role in this effort, contributing online courses, organizing workshops and supporting capacity-building programs that have reached thousands of learners.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional international collaboration, UBC Forestry’s online courses became a lifeline. Open to university students, faculty and forest practitioners, these courses attracted over 7,000 users during the pandemic, providing a critical platform for learning and exchange at a time when global education seemed to be at a standstill.
Building Future Leaders: Training India’s Forestry Officials
One of UBC Forestry’s most impactful capacity-building programs is its mid-career training for senior forestry officials. Targeting seasoned professionals advancing in their careers, this program has been particularly successful in India. To date, over 400 Indian forestry officers have been trained, gaining cutting-edge skills in climate change adaptation, forest management and Indigenous rights protection.
These training sessions don’t just stop at UBC. The program’s participants continue their journey at institutions like the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and Syracuse University in the United States, further honing their skills in communication and leadership. This initiative not only strengthens professional ties between India and Canada but also reinforces the importance of global collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
Teaching Collaboration: Building Bridges Across the Pacific
UBC’s commitment to international collaboration extends to its teaching programs as well. In partnership with leading forestry universities in China, UBC has developed 3+2/2+2 Undergraduate Transfer Programs, allowing students who meet UBC’s admission requirements to transfer and complete their degrees at the university. This initiative builds academic bridges between Canada and the Indo-Pacific, fostering cross-cultural exchange and preparing students to tackle global challenges.
UBC Forestry’s work in the Indo-Pacific is about more than just research or education—it’s about creating lasting connections. Whether through innovative climate models like ClimateAP, collaborative restoration projects like DReAM, or capacity-building initiatives that empower future leaders, UBC Forestry is helping to shape a sustainable future for the Indo-Pacific region. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, UBC Forestry stands at the forefront, contributing to a greener, more resilient tomorrow.