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European Forest Institute Network Has Expanded

The international forest research network added new members and outlined future biodiversity goals.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Organic Food

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The European Forest Institute expanded its global research network by adding new members and finalizing biodiversity goals during its 2026 conference in Växjö, Sweden. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The European Forest Institute (EFI) held its 2026 Annual Conference at Linnaeus University in Växjö, Sweden. The meeting focused on governance and strengthening member collaboration across the global research network.

Why it matters

Expanding the international network aims to deepen research collaboration, which is vital for monitoring forest health and biodiversity. Strengthening these institutional ties helps researchers share evidence-based findings more effectively across borders.

The EFI network confirmed its current membership reaches approximately 121 organisations spanning 40 countries. Official records from the Ordinary Session track these governance updates, though the exact impact of the new biodiversity focus remains under development.

The players

European Forest Institute

An international research organisation that coordinates forest science and promotes sustainable forest management.

Jyrki Kangas

A professor and board member re-elected to oversee the governance and strategic direction of the EFI.

Wollega University

An Ethiopian educational institution that has joined the EFI as an Affiliate Member.

The details

The EFI Ordinary Session utilized a voting process to manage governance, including the re-election of board member Jyrki Kangas to a three-year term. Members also approved an expansion of the network by welcoming Wollega University from Ethiopia as an Affiliate Member. Additionally, the institute implemented a supportive measure by waiving 2026 membership fees for Ukrainian member organisations to ensure continued participation during regional conflicts.

Timeline

  1. The 2026 Annual Conference was held in Växjö, Sweden.

  2. Jyrki Kangas will serve his new board term from 2026-2029.

  3. Membership fees for Ukrainian organisations were waived for 2026.

  4. Bern is scheduled to host the 2028 Annual Conference.

  5. Soria is scheduled to host the 2029 Annual Conference.

Health Landscape

The European Forest Institute continues to act as a central hub for coordinating international forest research and policy. This latest governance session updates the institute's membership structure and shifts its technical focus toward upcoming biodiversity-related initiatives.

While these governance changes are institutional, the shift toward biodiversity research may lead to new data on forest-derived resources and environmental safety. Readers interested in the ecological impact on their local surroundings can stay updated by following the institute's upcoming biodiversity fund results.

The takeaway

Large-scale collaboration among research institutions is essential for advancing global environmental science. You can monitor the progress of these biodiversity efforts by following official publications from international research networks.

Further reading

Learn more about the intersection of land management and environmental health in our Organic Food section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by European Forest Institute.

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