The Twenty-Ninth International Forestry and Environment Symposium, South Asia’s longest-running environmental conference, successfully concluded on January 18th, 2025, at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. The symposium, held under the theme “A Multi-Sectoral Approach to a Sustainable Future,” continued its legacy of pioneering environmental discourse in the region.
Professor M. M. Pathmalal, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, presided as Chief Guest, while the event’s historic journey was revisited through a special video presentation by Professor Hemanthi Ranasinghe, one of its founding members.
The keynote address by Professor Naohiro Goto of Toyo University and the remarks of Guest of Honor Mr. K. R. Uduwawala, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka, highlighted the need for innovative, multi-sectoral approaches to address today’s environmental challenges.
The symposium showcased its growing international footprint, with 205 research abstracts submitted, including contributions from Japan, India, Malaysia, and Slovakia. Notably, one Japanese researcher attended in person, while others joined through virtual platforms, further emphasizing the event’s global outreach.
Spanning twelve specialized sessions, the symposium addressed diverse and pressing environmental concerns, from traditional topics like Forest and Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation to contemporary issues such as Sustainable Tourism, Environmental Engineering, and Green Technology.
A highlight of the event was the Young Environment Symposium, a Citizen Science Forum dedicated to nurturing future environmental leaders, reflecting the conference’s commitment to fostering youth involvement in environmental advocacy.
Key sessions included:
- Climate Change and Disaster Management
- Environmental Economics and Resource Management
- Biomass and Sustainable Energy
- Sustainable Land Use and Urban Development
- Wood Science and Industry
- Geology, Soil and Water Resource Management
Organized by the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science (DFES), the symposium once again affirmed its position as South Asia’s premier platform for environmental dialogue. Its longevity and expanding international collaboration underscore its critical role in shaping environmental policy and advancing innovative solutions for global challenges.
As the symposium looks toward its 30th edition, it continues to inspire hope and action for a sustainable future.
