In a global scale, planted forest areas continued to increase, and that the goods and services provided by these forests were becoming increasingly diverse. The interaction of planted forests with other land uses within landscapes and their contribution to poverty alleviation and food security is complex. Risks to planted forests from climate change, socio-economic pressures and responses to these risks have been the subjects of study. The importance of planted forests for economic, environmental and social values have been recognized globally.

For the past 30 years, acacias and eucalypts have been two of the major forest plantation species of choice in the tropics, particularly in South-East Asia. Selected acacia species have high rates of growth, are tolerant of acidic, low nutrient and degraded soils, and in Indonesia have been easy to establish in landscapes dominated by Imperata grassland. Harvested plantation acacias are now an important global resource with >3.5M ha grown in Asia, Africa and South America. They supply fibre for pulp and paper industries, wood for furniture, building materials, and charcoal and other fuels, as well as being used for the protection of water catchments.

After several successive and successful rotations, growers are now facing various challenges that threaten the sustainability of acacia pulpwood plantations. Pests and diseases, soil compaction, weed invasiveness and a changing climate have become major topics of interest to researchers working with plantation growers to seek ways of confronting and adapting to these challenges. In recent years growers have replaced acacias with eucalypts, particularly E. pellita.

At this difficult time for plantation growers in the tropics, IUFRO Working Party 2.08.07 (Genetics and Silviculture of Acacias) in collaboration with FORDA INAFOR IV will organize a Joint International Conference on 24-27 July 2017 in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. The Research, Development and Innovation Agency (known as FORDA) have regular conference known as INAFOR (International Conference of Indonesian Forestry Researchers); and the 4th INAFOR is scheduled in 2017.  The Conference has adopted a theme “Promoting Sustainable Resources from Plantations for Economic Growth and Community Benefits”, that reflects the challenges being confronted by plantations.

It will bring together researchers, plantation managers and policy makers from around the world for an intensive four days of exchanging views. Researchers from various countries are expected to present their latest findings, and plantation managers will be able to get first hand information.

This Joint Conference is hosted by the Agency for Research Development and Innovation, Ministry of Environment and Forestry Republic of Indonesia.