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400 Scientists at Australia’s First IUFRO Div 5 Conference

The theme of the conference ‘The Forest Treasure Chest: Delivering Outcomes’ - exploring how forests grow and produce woody biomass and how industries and local communities use forest materials.


Wed 14 Jun 23

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More than 400 scientists from around the world congregated in Cairns for the first-ever Australian hosting of the International Union of Forest Research Organisation (IUFRO) Division 5 conference.

Running from June 4 to 8, UNFRO Division 5 embraced all that natural and planted forests offer – traditional wood products, food and craft, traditional medicines, and recreation.

It explores how forests grow and produce woody biomass and how industries and local communities use forest materials. Accordingly, it is one of the most diverse gatherings of researchers interested in the utilisation of wood, wood products, and non-wood products.

This was the 11th UNFRO conference, the first in Australia, with the theme ‘The Forest Treasure Chest: Delivering Outcomes’.

The local organising committee comprised Adjunct Professor Roger Meder, Professor Mark Brown, Dr David Lee, Professor Jeff Morrell, Dr Sam Van Holsbeek, and Dr Tinh Huynh from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

The IUFRO Local Organising Committee with International Delegates at the IUFRO Division 5 Conference in Cairns. (Photo credit: Professor Sam Van Holsbeek from the University of the Sunshine Coast)

More than 130 speakers presented topics ranging from the bonding and mechanical properties of cross-laminated timbers manufactured from tropical hardwoods to the economic contribution of coffee-based agroforestry in southwestern Ethiopia and the circular use of timber in Norway.

Leading up the conference, Wood Cental was provided with a draft copy of the program.

In addition, 40 young scientists participated in an elevator-pitch series; they were given five minutes to present a topic to the conference.

7 year old Dan Huynh (son of Dr Tinh Huynh) an elevator pitch on butterflies and bees at the IUFRO Conference in Cairns with Dr Sam Van Holsbeek from the University of the Sunshine Coast. (Photo credit: Professor Sam Van Holsbeek from the University of the Sunshine Coast)
Fire Nations People

A major theme across the topics was community, particularly traditional owners and First Nations People’s connections with forests. Indigenous cultures have long known the healing benefits of seeds, berries, bark, and leaves in the forest, many of which are still not characterised by modern science.

Victor Steffensen’s ‘Understanding the Language of the Trees’ and David Hudson’s ‘Ancient Voice of the Future’ provided an important local context.

Victor is an Indigenous writer, filmmaker, and musician applying traditional knowledge in a contemporary context. He is a descendant of the Tagalaka people from North Queensland.

Footage courtesy of @qanda

As co-founder of the Firesticks Alliance and the National Indigenous Fire Workshop, Victor’s work has been based on the arts and reviving traditional knowledge values, particularly Aboriginal fire management, with Aboriginal communities and non-Indigenous Australians.

Victor Steffensen is the author of ‘Fire Country’ – which delves into the Australian landscape, the revival of cultural burning practices, and the environmental challenges we face. Footage courtesy of @hardiegrantbookswhatsnew

David Hudson comes from the Ewamian (oo-rah-min)/Western Yalanji (people of the north-east coast of Australia). Naturally, he makes his home in Cairns amid the beautiful reef and rainforest.

Internationally renowned artist David Hudson, a proud member of the Ewamian / Western Yalanji people presented at the conference.

Mr Hudson has travelled extensively throughout Australia and worldwide as a solo artist with Greek composer Yanni and the world-renowned dance troupe “Tjapukai”, which he co-founded.  He promotes awareness of Aboriginal culture and tradition where he travels.

In 2014, David explained how a boy, once classified by the Government as fauna, grew up and can now spread a positive message about Aboriginal culture, especially through his passion for the didgeridoo. Footage courtesy of @TEDx

Keynote address

Responsible Wood Sustainability Manager Matt de Jongh presented the keynote address.

Responsible Wood manages the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management, with more than 90% of Australia’s commercial forests certified under the scheme.

“It was a remarkable opportunity to collaborate, share insights, and drive positive change in the industry,” Mr de Jongh said.

“Innovation is pivotal in driving sustainable forest product development and adoption. By embracing new technologies and practices, we can optimise resource allocation, reduce waste, and minimise our environmental footprint.”

Responsible Wood Sustainability Manager Matt de Jongh with international delegates at the IUFRO Conference in Cairns.
World heritage-listed rainforest visit

Following the conference, delegates attended a special tree-breeding trial deep in the Queensland rainforest.

Delegates used the Kuranda Sky Rail to visit the Walkamin Research Facility, where the Queensland government undertakes a series of trials on different tree species.

The Walkamin Research Station in Cairns. Footage courtesy of @exoticfruitcauldron4422

The next IUFRO Division 5 Conference is scheduled for 2028.

Author

  • Wood Central

    Wood Central is Australia’s first and only dedicated platform covering wood-based media across all digital platforms. Our vision is to develop an integrated platform for media, events, education, and products that connect, inform, and inspire the people and organisations who work in and promote forestry, timber, and fibre.

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