The 24^th biennial session of the Committee of Forestry (COFO) of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations was held in Rome, Italy during the week of 16-20 July 2018. The COFO meetings bring together heads of forest services and senior government officials from around the world to identify emerging policy and technical issues, and to discuss and plan for appropriate responses to key issues. COFO 24 specifically explored the contribution that forests can make to obtain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Professor Brett Hurley of FABI was invited to participate and present in one of the side events organised during the COFO 24 session, titled “Towards a harmonized global approach for managing forest invasive species”.  Prof Hurley attended the meeting in his current role as coordinator for the Forest Invasive Species Network for Africa (FISNA). This is a network supported by FAO that aims to facilitate the sharing of information on the spread and management of forest invasive species in sub-Saharan Africa.

Photo credits:  ©FAO/Roberto Cenciarelli