Welcome to the ForGEDI IUFRO Task Force
IUFRO in the nutshell
The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) is a non-profit, non-governmental international network of forest scientists, which promotes global cooperation in forest-related research and enhances the understanding of the ecological, economic and social aspects of forests. IUFRO’s mission is to advance research excellence and knowledge sharing, and to foster the development of science-based solutions to forest-related challenges for the benefit of forests and people worldwide. Guided by the core values of Excellence, Networking, Diversity and Integrity, IUFRO aims to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. IUFRO Task Forces (TFs) are temporary structures, established for five years to advance inter‐disciplinary cooperation.
Fostering Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) in Forest-related Sectors
The IUFRO Task Force “Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Forest-related Sectors” (ForGEDI IUFRO TF) was officially approved by the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) in February 2025. The decision to pursue the TF format was based on a broad, participatory process involving contributors to the ForGEDI MOOC and former members of the IUFRO Task Force on Gender Equality in Forestry (2019-2024). An initial survey helped identify the preferred structure to continue work on equity in forestry, resulting in a strong vote for creating a new TF The network expanded using snowball sampling and outreach within forestry and GEDI communities. Currently, the TF brings together more than 60 members from around the world, including researchers, educators, students, NGOs, private companies, and practitioners, ensuring a rich blend of science and practice.
The ForGEDI TF’s mission is to advance gender equity, diversity, and inclusion across forest-related sectors by addressing the deep-rooted structural inequalities embedded in current forest governance systems. These include barriers related not only to gender but also to ethnicity, disability, language, indigeneity, caste, immigration status, religion, and more. Our approach emphasizes intersectionality—understanding how overlapping forms of marginalisation and privilege shape people’s lives and experiences within forest-related sectors.
What We Do?
The ForGEDI IUFRO TF is organised around three interconnected streams of work, each with its own focus and leadership team. These streams support our three core objectives:
generating and sharing new knowledge about inclusion and barriers in forestry
developing innovative educational tools and training programs
building partnerships to amplify GEDI across institutions and regions.
Stream 1: Research, Practices & Innovations
Led by Stephen Wyatt (University de Moncton), and co-coordinated by Rattiya Lippe (Thünen Institute), this stream brings together researchers committed to expanding the evidence base on GEDI issues in forestry. Activities include developing shared methodologies to document lived experiences, evaluating training impacts (like the ForGEDI MOOC), producing comparative research across countries and contexts, and co-authoring publications such as case studies and special journal issues. Stream 1 also collaborates with IUFRO RG 6.08 to create monitoring tools that can track GEDI progress in forest-related organisations.
Stephen Wyatt
Stream 1 Coordinator
Rattiya Lippe
Stream 1 Deputy Coordinator
Stream 2: Education, Training & Capacity Building
Coordinated by Ida Wallin (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) and co-coordinated by Juliet Achieng Owuor (European Forest Institute) and Colm O’ Driscoll this stream builds on the foundation of the ForGEDI MOOC to expand access to GEDI education. Stream 2 focuses on adapting and translating the MOOC into new languages, integrating it into academic curricula, and creating new modules, such as a GEDI add-on for project mainstreaming. It also supports the development of a mentoring program, connecting early-career professionals and students — especially those from underrepresented groups — with experienced mentors in forestry.
Ida Wallin
Stream 2 Coordinator
Juliet Achieng Owuor
Stream 2 Deputy Coordinators
Colm O’Driscoll
Stream 2 Deputy Coordinators
Stream 3: Outreach, Networking & Partnerships
Led by Todora Rogelja (University of Padova, TESAF), and co-coordinated by Philip Chambers (University of Eastern Finland) and Joram Kagombe (Kenya Forestry Research Institute), this stream works to connect ForGEDI’s research and education work with global audiences and decision-makers. It maps and engages potential partners, secures funding, and strengthens links between the TF and external networks like UN agencies, NGOs, and forest education platforms. Stream 3 also leads ForGEDI’s communications efforts – organising webinars and campaigns around key international days, hosting virtual events, and helping ensure that GEDI voices are heard at major gatherings such as the IUFRO World Congress.
Todora Rogelja
Stream 3 Coordinator
Philip Chambers
Stream 3 Deputy Coordinator
Each Stream supports and reinforces the others, ensuring a holistic and collaborative approach to advancing gender equity, diversity, and inclusion across forest-related sectors.
Interconnection of ForGEDI IUFRO TF Objectives and Streams
Our Outputs and Impact
Some of the major planned outputs of the ForGEDI IUFRO TF include:
- The continued expansion and enhancement of the ForGEDI MOOC, including versions in multiple languages
- A GEDI-focused mentorship program supporting cross-border learning and career growth
- A conceptual framework and shared tools for assessing GEDI in forestry institutions
- A series of research publications, case studies, and collaborative events
- Annual international webinars, mini-conferences, and award programs that recognise excellence in GEDI education, research, and practice
Governance and Structure
The ForGEDI IUFRO TF is designed to be collaborative, inclusive, and agile – reflecting our commitment to shared leadership and active participation across regions, sectors, and career stages. To support this, we’ve adopted a multi-layered governance model that encourages coordination, accountability, and innovation.
At the core of our structure are three interconnected Streams—Research, Education, and Partnerships—each led by a Coordinator and two Deputies. These Streams form the heart of our activities, guiding the Task Force’s work on knowledge generation, capacity-building, and outreach.
Surrounding the core are additional layers of leadership and support:
- A Secretariat ensures smooth communication, documentation, and coordination across Streams.
- An Advisory Board provides strategic guidance and oversight to keep our efforts aligned with the broader goals of IUFRO and the global GEDI agenda.
- Task Force members are organised into working Teams within each Stream, based on their interests and expertise, while also remaining flexible to collaborate across Streams.
- The outermost circle includes our Supporters and Partners—academic institutions, NGOs, and private sector allies who contribute funding, tools, research access, and knowledge exchange.
This circular layered model allows for shared decision-making, decentralised action, and diverse voices at all levels of the Task Force. It ensures that ForGEDI IUFRO TF remains both globally inclusive and locally responsive, while enabling coordination of our growing international network.
Explore the diagram below to see how our governance model brings together collaboration, leadership, and impact.
ForGEDI IUFRO TF Governance Model
Why Join Us?
The ForGEDI IUFRO Task Force is more than a research group – it’s a vibrant, global community working to transform the forest sector into one that values equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level. We believe that change happens when voices from all backgrounds and experiences come together to share, question, innovate, and act.
We especially welcome participation from individuals and communities historically underrepresented in forestry and natural resource governance – including women, Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from the Global South. Whether you are early in your career or bring decades of experience, your perspective matters and your voice is needed.
Would you like to:
Be part of a supportive, international network dedicated to advancing GEDI in meaningful, applied ways?
Gain access to collaborative research opportunities, training resources, and leadership development?
Shape educational materials that reach students and professionals around the world?
Participate in real-world action, represent GEDI priorities on global stages and make an impact?
If you answered “Yes” to at least one of the questions, then this is your space – you care about fairness, representation, and making forestry a more inclusive space for all!