Dr. Lu De: A Leading Figure in Advancing Asia-Pacific Forestry Cooperation and Sustainable Development
Amid the intertwined challenges of globalization and climate change, the importance of sustainable forestry development has become increasingly prominent. Dr. Lu De, a forestry expert with nearly four decades of academic and international experience, has emerged as a pivotal force in advancing forestry cooperation and ecological governance in the Asia-Pacific region and globally. His career not only reflects the evolution of forestry from a regional concern to an international endeavor but has also infused innovation into regional forest resource conservation and sustainable management.
Academic Foundation: Deep Roots in Forestry
Dr. Lu’s educational background laid a robust foundation for his professional journey. After graduating from Northeastern Forestry University with a bachelor’s degree in Forest Conservation in 1987, he pursued a master’s in Forest Management at the University of Melbourne (2001–2003) and earned a Ph.D. in Forest Management from the Chinese Academy of Forestry in 2011. This cross-border academic experience equipped him with both local expertise and a global vision, foreshadowing his future contributions to transnational forestry collaboration.
From Bilateral to Multilateral: Building an International Cooperation Network
Since joining the Department of International Cooperation at China’s State Forestry Administration in 1987, Dr. Lu has been at the forefront of international forestry cooperation. In his early career, he spearheaded bilateral partnerships with countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, overseeing the signing of agreements, approval of international conferences, and collaboration with NGOs. Starting in 2003, he shifted focus to multilateral cooperation, engaging deeply in negotiations and implementation of international conventions such as the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). He also led project development and fundraising with global organizations like WWF and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).
Founding APFNet: A Milestone in Asia-Pacific Forestry Collaboration
Dr. Lu’s most iconic contribution is the establishment and operation of the Asia-Pacific Forest Restoration and Sustainable Management Network (APFNet). From 2007 to 2011, as the Executive Deputy Director-General of the APFNet Coordination Center, he spearheaded the organization’s groundwork: securing annual administrative funding of $3 million from the Chinese government, coordinating trilateral consultations among China, the U.S., and Australia, and establishing the Secretariat alongside drafting the Operational Framework. Each step showcased his strategic vision and execution.
After 2011, as APFNet’s Executive Director, he further institutionalized the mechanism:
- Membership Expansion: Recruiting 31 members, including 17 APEC economies and 9 non-APEC nations.
- Strategic Planning: Formulating two strategic plans (2011–2015 and 2016–2020), prioritizing capacity building, policy dialogue, and technical exchange.
- Platform Innovation: Launching regional platforms like the Asia-Pacific Forestry Education Coordination Mechanism and APEC Ministers Responsible for Forestry Meeting.
By 2025, APFNet had funded over 50 demonstration projects, cementing its role as a pivotal hub for forestry governance in the Asia-Pacific.
Regional Initiatives: Weaving a Multi-Layered Cooperation Network
Dr. Lu understands that “cooperation must take root.” He established multiple sub-mechanisms to extend APFNet’s influence:
- Transboundary Wildlife Conservation Initiative: Balancing livelihoods of border forest communities with ecological protection.
- GCA-FCM (Great Central Asia Forestry Ministers’ Meeting): Uniting seven Central Asian nations to address regional forestry challenges.
- Pu’er Asia-Pacific Forest Forum: Bridging government and industry dialogue to integrate forestry development with sustainability.
These initiatives not only strengthened regional cohesion but also paved the way for future talent through programs like youth scholarships and small research grants.
International Recognition: From Policy Design to Academic Impact
Dr. Lu’s contributions transcend borders. Under his advocacy, the Asia-Pacific Forestry Education Cooperation Mechanism (APFECM) was established, uniting forestry universities across the region. APFECM developed 15 courses on sustainable forestry, providing high-quality education for institutions and remote forestry workers. During the pandemic, these courses offered online learning opportunities to 50,000 individuals across 129 universities and institutions.
He also contributed to drafting Guidelines for Sustainable Overseas Forest Resource Management by Chinese Enterprises and served as a technical reviewer for organizations like the European Forest Institute (EFI) and Yunnan Academy of Forestry and Grassland. In 2023, he became the first Chinese expert appointed to EFI’s Scientific Committee.
Conclusion: Bridging Forestry with Green Development
From a government official to a global leader in forestry cooperation, Dr. Lu’s career embodies the fusion of professionalism and global responsibility. APFNet and its mechanisms have not only advanced sustainable forestry in the Asia-Pacific but also offered a “Asia-Pacific Solution” for global forest governance. As he often states: “Forests are the commonwealth of humanity, and cooperation is the only path to safeguard them.”
In an era of escalating climate and biodiversity crises, Dr. Lu’s work offers invaluable lessons: only by breaking boundaries and sharing wisdom can we achieve harmony between humanity and nature.