Israel unveils forest management strategy to combat climate challenges

The Forum on Forests 2025 (UNFF20) convened on May 6, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding global forest management and environmental sustainability. The meeting featured representatives from various nations, including Israel and Morocco, who shared their insights and strategies for enhancing forest resilience in the face of climate change.

The session began with Israel's representative highlighting the country's unique challenges, as over 60% of its land is classified as arid or semi-arid. Israel emphasized the importance of forests in promoting sustainability and combating desertification. The nation recently completed a strategic plan for forest management, developed by the Israel Jewish National Fund and the acting forest service. This plan focuses on biodiversity preservation, wildfire prevention, and public access, aligning with sustainable forest management principles. The representative noted the recent devastating wildfires in Central Israel, underscoring the urgent need for effective forest management as part of the national climate strategy.

Israel's approach includes adaptive management techniques, ecosystem monitoring, and community engagement to ensure long-term forest health. The country has implemented innovative methods such as water harvesting and the use of drought-resistant native species to combat land degradation. Afforestation efforts in arid regions like the Negev Desert have successfully transformed degraded lands into productive green spaces, providing essential ecosystem services. Israel reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation, offering to share its experiences in dry land afforestation and climate-resilient forestry practices with other nations facing similar challenges.

Following Israel's presentation, Morocco's representative took the floor on behalf of the African group. As vice chair of the forum, the representative commended the collaborative partnership on forests for their efforts in implementing the UN strategic plan for forests and praised the organization of the session. Morocco's participation highlights the importance of regional collaboration in addressing forest management challenges across the African continent.

The meeting underscored the critical role of forests in global environmental strategies and the necessity for nations to work together to share knowledge and best practices in sustainable forest management. The discussions set the stage for continued dialogue and cooperation in the pursuit of resilient and sustainable forest ecosystems worldwide.