APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry adopts joint statement in Shenzhen

The 2026 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry was held in Shenzhen on Monday and Tuesday with the adoption of a joint statement, bringing together high-level representatives, experts, and scholars from 21 APEC economies and seven international organizations. Discussions focused on advancing global forest goals and integrating technological innovation with green industries.

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

The joint statement calls on member economies to bolster biodiversity conservation, intensify law enforcement against the illegal trade of forest products, and incorporate sustainable forest management into national economic plans and policy frameworks. It urges increased investment in forestry development and legal trade, while supporting the value-chain enhancement of forest product processing. The statement also emphasizes regional cooperation in urban forestry and water resource management, using technological innovation to restore ecosystems and mitigate habitat fragmentation.

Delegates listen to a key note speech during Monday's opening ceremony.

Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, highlighted the urgency of the discussions. “Addressing sustainable forestry is incredibly important,” he 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.”

The Asia-Pacific region holds more than half of the world’s forest area, accounting for approximately 60% of global forest product output and 40% of its trade. The region also hosts the world’s most diverse terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, including nearly half of its mangroves.

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

Attendees pose for a photo at the venue of the meeting.

China has implemented systematic governance through the integrated conservation and management of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, grasslands, and deserts. Through reforms in collective forest tenure and State-owned forest management, the country has benefited more than 100 million forest farmers and 12 million herders. The forestry and grassland industry reached a total output of 11 trillion yuan (US$1.6 trillion) in 2025, supporting employment for more than 60 million people.

China has prioritized Asia-Pacific forestry cooperation, initiating the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation and establishing policy dialogue platforms such as the Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Forestry in Greater Central Asia. To date, China has supported more than 20 member economies in implementing over 50 forestry demonstration projects, investing more than US$45 million to restore over 1,300 hectares of degraded land. Additionally, China has hosted study programs for more than 200 forestry officials and provided specialized training for roughly 440 forestry managers.

Wang Chunfeng, Secretary‑General of the Asia‑Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet), highlighted China’s contribution—“roughly 25% of the world’s net forest increase has come from China”—and pointed to future collaboration with the International Mangrove Center and the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization on restoration, capacity building, and policy frameworks. APFNet’s 2026‑2030 strategy, he added, will focus on local livelihoods and closer alignment with climate and biodiversity goals.

Jenny Cameron, Deputy Director General China Relations · Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) of New Zealand and head of the New Zealand delegation, takes an interview with media outlets on Monday.

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

A delegate shows interest in a tea pot from Shenzhen-based Auratic Group prior to the opening ceremony of the 2026 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry on Monday. 

On the sidelines of the summit, an exhibition showcased China’s progress in ecological civilization. Delegates also participated in field visits in Shenzhen, including mangrove seedling planting, smart forestry demonstrations, and a tour of the Dasha River Ecological Corridor, gaining firsthand insight into the city’s efforts to balance economic development with environmental protection.

Delegates visit the stall of Shenzhen Orchidaceae Plant Protection Research Center ahead of the opening ceremony of Monday's meeting.

Pedrosa noted Shenzhen’s balanced approach to urban growth. “It’s fascinating to see how Shenzhen has developed over the last two decades — skyscrapers alongside extensive greenery and protected mangroves,” he 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.”