Connecting Knowledge, People and Solutions Across the Asia-Pacific
The Asia Forest Research Centre (AFRC) is a cross-faculty platform within the UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship that advances forest research, education, professional development, and international collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region.
AFRC connects UBC expertise with universities, governments, research organizations, industry, professionals, and communities to address shared environmental, educational, and sustainability challenges. Its partnerships support innovation and practical action in areas such as sustainable forest management, climate adaptation, biodiversity, forest carbon, bio-based materials, digital technologies, and nature-based solutions.
Our Reach and Impact
AFRC and its international programs have enabled more than 1,000 students and 150 visiting scholars to study, conduct research, and participate in professional learning at UBC. Through transfer programs, exchanges, summer institutes, visiting-scholar opportunities, professional programs, and customized training, participants gain access to UBC’s world-class education, research facilities, field learning, and international networks.
AFRC also supports the Asia-Pacific Forestry Education Coordination Mechanism, whose Executive Office is hosted at UBC. Its open-access sustainable forest management courses have reached more than 15,000 learners across over 90 economies and continue to serve students, educators, researchers, and forestry professionals worldwide.
Leadership and Structure
AFRC is led by Dr. Guangyu Wang, Director of the Asia Forest Research Centre and Associate Dean, Asian Strategies, within the UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.
Working across faculties and departments, the Centre brings together UBC faculty members, researchers, staff, students, and external partners. Its Asian Strategies team coordinates operations, institutional partnerships, collaborative programs, and access to UBC expertise.
The Centre’s work is organized around four interconnected areas:
- Student mobility and global learning
Creating pathways for students and scholars to access international education, research, and experiential learning. - Research and collaboration
Connecting expertise and supporting interdisciplinary, cross-border research addressing regional and global challenges. - Capacity building
Strengthening the capabilities of students, educators, researchers, professionals, and institutions. - Consulting and technical support
Mobilizing knowledge, research, and technology to develop practical solutions with governments, industries, organizations, and communities.
Together, these areas enable AFRC to connect education with research, research with practice, and regional experience with global expertise.
Looking Ahead
The Asia-Pacific region is central to the future of the world’s forests, biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable bioeconomy. Addressing these priorities requires trusted partnerships, shared knowledge, innovative education, and long-term international cooperation.
AFRC will continue to expand international learning opportunities, strengthen research networks, develop accessible educational resources, support emerging leaders, and mobilize UBC expertise. It will also advance collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital forestry, forest carbon, biodiversity, the circular bioeconomy, and nature-based solutions.
By connecting people, knowledge, and action, AFRC is helping build a more collaborative, innovative, and sustainable future across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.