APEC ministers reaffirm commitment to combat illegal logging, promote sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation across the region.
KUALA LUMPUR: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in combating illegal logging and associated trade, while promoting sustainable forest management (SFM), biodiversity conservation and forest restoration across the region.
In a joint statement issued following the 2026 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry (MMRF6) in Shenzhen, China, ministers and representatives said they would intensify efforts to halt and reverse forest loss and degradation, while promoting trade in legally harvested forest products.
The ministers also pledged to integrate forest governance and sustainable forest management into broader economic development plans and policy frameworks, encouraging evidence-based forestry development plans and greater knowledge sharing among member economies.
They reaffirmed their aspiration to build an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community, in line with the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, while recognising the role of forests in supporting economic growth, biodiversity conservation, ecological well-being and regional prosperity.
The statement underscored the role of the APEC Experts Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade (EGILAT) in strengthening policy dialogue, promoting information sharing and building capacity to combat illegal logging and facilitate trade in legally harvested forest products.
Ministers also agreed to enhance cooperation on protected areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), strengthen forest health and resilience, and improve enforcement against illegal trade in forest products.
They further committed to working with the private sector, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to promote investment and financing opportunities for the forest sector, support higher-value-added forest products through innovation, and encourage voluntary market-based mechanisms and nature-based solutions where appropriate.
The statement also called for greater cooperation in urban forestry and water resource management through technological innovation and sustainable forest management to support ecosystem restoration, reduce habitat fragmentation and improve public health.
APEC economies encouraged the development of sustainable forest-based industries, including advanced wood processing, wood in construction, circular bio-economies, agroforestry, non-timber forest products, recreation, forest therapy and education on forests and wood use, alongside greater recognition of ecosystem services.
The ministers also expressed support for stronger collaboration with international and regional organisations to advance APEC’s forestry goals and the work of EGILAT.
