A Hub for Collaboration, Knowledge, and Solutions
The Asia Forest Research Centre (AFRC) is a cross-faculty platform within the UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, advancing international collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region by connecting people, knowledge, and expertise.
Working with universities, governments, research organizations, industry, and communities, AFRC fosters student mobility, collaborative research, capacity building, and applied technical support to address shared environmental, educational, and sustainability challenges. Through strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange, AFRC serves as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions that create lasting impact across the region.
What We Do
Student Mobility
We create international education and student-mobility opportunities through institutional pathways, summer programs, academic exchange, and partnership development.
Capacity Building
We strengthen professional and institutional capacity through online courses, training programs, seminars, competitions, and international knowledge exchange.
Research and Collaboration
We connect researchers and institutions to develop interdisciplinary projects, research networks, and practical solutions to shared forestry and environmental challenges.
Consulting and Tech Support
We connect partners with UBC expertise, research, technology, and professional networks to support applied projects and informed decision-making.
Recent Highlights
UNCCD COP17 China Pavilion Side Event Highlights the Changting Model
On August 26, 2026, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU), in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, Renmin University of China, and the Changting County Government, hosted a China Pavilion side event at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
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2026 UBC Forestry Summer Institute
The UBC Forestry Summer Institute 2026 (July 25–August 15) welcomed international undergraduate and graduate students for interdisciplinary learning, hands-on experiences, field excursions and cross-cultural engagement. Featuring courses on smart forestry, carbon management, AI, green space and public health, the program provided an immersive introduction to forestry, environmental stewardship and emerging technologies while strengthening global partnerships.
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UBC Forestry Delegation Visits Northeast Forestry University in China
In June 2026, a UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship delegation led by Dean Dr. Rob Kozak and Dr. Guangyu Wang visited Northeast Forestry University to deepen strategic collaboration. Discussions focused on strengthening student mobility, joint education initiatives, research collaboration, and expanding long-term institutional partnerships between the two universities.
UBC Global Seminar: Contemporary Forestry and Conservation in China
In May 2026, Dr. Guangyu Wang led the UBC Global Seminar: Contemporary Forestry and Conservation in China, a month-long experiential learning program that immersed UBC students in China’s diverse forest ecosystems from temperate forests in Northeast China to tropical forests in Hainan Province.
South China University of Technology visit UBC
In April 2026, the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship welcomed a delegation from South China University of Technology, one of China’s leading public research universities, led by Vice President Prof. Zheng Li. The visit marked an important step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two institutions through high-level discussions on international education, research collaboration, and innovation.
AP-FECM December Webinar: Challenges for the Training of Forestry Professionals: The Case of Peru
Mr. Gustavo Suarez De Freitas examined how forestry education must respond to complex tropical landscapes, rural development, protected areas and changing social and economic conditions. It emphasized interdisciplinary professional preparation and strengthened AP-FECM’s Latin American engagement.
Work with AFRC
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with universities, research institutions, governments, communities, professional organizations, and industry partners.
Together, we can develop education programs, research initiatives, capacity-building activities, and practical solutions that respond to shared environmental challenges.
Explore A Collaboration Opportunity with AFRC
Enhance education and research connections with Asia
Promote professional Master’s programs in the Asia-Pacific region
Create efficient and high quality platforms for capacity building
Raise research funds for larger-scale research projects
Strengthen teaching and research on bamboo and plantation forest management