The latest episode of Season 2 of Branching Out: The Forest Podcast, hosted by Jose Bolaños from IUFRO HQ, focused on IUFRO Scientific Division 8 – Forest Environment. The episode, featuring Co-Coordinators Alexia Stokes and Chabi Djagoun, along with co-host Paz Constanza Zenteno Painemal (Conny), from IFSA and an intern at IUFRO HQ, delved into the crucial role forest science plays in confronting global environmental challenges.

The discussion centred on how forest ecosystems are profoundly linked to the triple planetary crises—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Alexia Stokes (INRAE, France), a scientist specializing in the biophysical relationships between vegetation and soil, emphasized that effective restoration and protection require taking a holistic view of the social-ecological system. This includes looking beyond ecological characteristics, like soil type, to integrate governance, economics, and local knowledge. She noted the importance of consulting elder community members who serve as the "living memory" of the landscape to avoid repeating past mistakes. 

Chabi Djagoun, an Associate Professor at University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin, reinforced this perspective, stating that addressing environmental complexity requires interdisciplinary approaches that connect ecological research with governance and community knowledge. This collaboration helps co-design adaptive strategies, enhancing ecosystem resilience. 

The podcast highlighted several interdisciplinary IUFRO initiatives that Division 8 is supporting, including the Forest Living Labs for Sustainable Climate Adaptation (FORLIVS) - dynamic open innovation ecosystems that engage all stakeholders in a public-private-population partnership - and the Task Force on the Forest-Water-Livelihood-Governance Nexus, which seeks transdisciplinary solutions for managing forests under water extremes, such as drought and floods. 

As Conny concluded, it is "truly inspiring to see how science can directly contribute to better decisions". Listeners were encouraged to stay informed about upcoming events, including the 27th IUFRO World Congress in Nairobi, Kenya, the first time this event will be held in Africa.

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