IUFRO-SPDC continued its commitment to assisting forest scientists from economically disadvantaged countries through its Scientist Assistance Program (SAP). Given that 2024 marked a Congress year, the programme focused its efforts on providing travel grants specifically tailored for attendance at the XXVI IUFRO World Congress in Stockholm, Sweden. The response was overwhelming, with more than 1000 applications received (applications closed on 15 November 2023), reflecting a significant demand for support among prospective attendees. Within the constraints of available donor funding, a total of 120 scientists from 81 different countries were selected to receive the support package. This comprehensive package includes travel arrangements to and from Stockholm, accommodation, subsistence allowances, and coverage of the Congress registration fees, ensuring that recipients could fully participate in the enriching experience of the IUFRO World Congress. 

This was a dedicated space to showcase IUFRO-SPDC projects on Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) from around the world (Brazil, Denmark, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kyrgyz Republic, Malawi, Nigeria, Paraguay, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan). Visitors could meet, share experiences and insights on capacity building, multi-stakeholder process, training, mentorship, technical approaches, curricula and teaching methods, amongst others. Policy makers, FLR facilitators/educators and practitioners discussed the interactions between governance, facilitation/training and implementation. 

There were four sessions during the Congress lunch breaks addressing governance, implementation, facilitation and education with short presentations complemented by discussions and networking. 

Throughout the week, posters were on display from different projects and there was a tour with virtual reality goggles of an integrated landscape management with agroforestry project. 

And visitors were invited to participate in a FLR Networking Bingo game, adding an element of fun and engagement to the learning experience. Printed publications were also be available.

Detailed programme:  pdf

This Congress evaluation survey aims to gather feedback from attendees to help improve future events. The survey covers exhibition space content, and overall experience and includes a mix of multiple choice and open-ended questions.