From October 16–18, 2025, the Forest Ecosystems Living Lab Initiative (FELLI) convened their 2nd collaborative workshop in the Tandayapa Cloud Forest in the Andean Mountains northwest of Quito, Ecuador, hosted by Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). This gathering brought together leading researchers and educators from across the Pacific Rim to advance FELLI’s mission:  creating a global network of “living laboratories” that generate standardized, comparative data on forest carbon dynamics, biodiversity, and the interactions between ecosystems and human communities. Participants from institutions including: The University of British Columbia, Kyushu University and Universiti Malaya, joined USFQ expert faculty for a three-day intensive program that blended intensive collaborative work sessions with field immersion and strategic planning.   Immersive Learning in the Bellavista Cloud Forest     The meeting was hosted at the Bellavista Cloud Forest eco-lodge situated within this biodiversity hotspot of the Andean region. A warm welcome by USFQ’s Juan Manuel Guayasamin, Vice Dean of Research, College of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Co-Director of the APRU FELLI, Prof. Thomas Schneider, APRU Chief Executive, and Dominik Roeser, Professor and Associate Dean, Research Forests & Community Outreach, The University of British Columbia and Co-Director of the APRU FELLI provided an overview of FELLI’s vision. Together, they emphasized the workshop’s mission to define the initiative’s joint research mission including the harmonization of data collection protocols, and the design of immersive and innovative field and online learning modules. Dr. Ciara Wirth, Research Coordinator, USFQ Tiputini Biodiversity Station presented perspectives from the Tiputini Biodiversity Station, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in conducting long-term ecological research in remote forest environments.   Advancing Research and Education Over the course of three focused working days, colleagues collaborated in break out groups to refine FELLI’s research agendas. Several key priorities emerged: Standardizing data protocols and frameworks across FELLI stations to strengthen collaboration and ensure comparability of research outcomes.  Advancing sustainable wellbeing and regional policy engagement across Asia-Pacific landscapes by identifying resilience factors and positioning FELLI sites as innovation hubs. These hubs will foster nature-based solutions, enhanced governance, and support ecosystem service valuation, deepening our understanding of climate and human impacts. Developing transformative educational opportunities, notably an international immersive summer school. This field-course will emphasize experiential learning, community engagement, integration of local knowledge, and policy outreach delivered across FELLI member field stations. Optional night walks, birdwatching sessions and shared meals fostered informal networking and shared learning experiences strengthening the sense of community among participants.     Strategic Planning and Next Steps The final day focused on program sustainability of the program and strategic planning.  Roeser, and Guayasamin led a session on funding strategies, followed by a collaborative discussion on next steps and milestones. The focus was on building on and sustaining the momentum created during the intensive workshop. After a farewell lunch, participants returned to USFQ for final reflections and departures, energized by the connections made and the shared commitment to forest ecosystems.   Looking Ahead     The Ecuador meeting marked a significant milestone for FELLI, reinforcing the importance of transregional collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. By integrating research innovation, field-based learning, and institutional partnerships, FELLI is poised to become a transformative force in forest ecosystem science and education. Stay tuned for more updates as FELLI expands its network and impact across the Pacific Rim.

The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) is proud to announce the publication of The Forest Ecosystems Living Lab Initiative (FELLI) in Global Solutions Journal Issue 11. This article highlights FELLI’s innovative approach to addressing global forest challenges through multinational collaboration, cutting-edge research, and community engagement. Key Highlights from the Article: Global Network: FELLI unites university research forests across six Pacific Rim countries—Canada, Ecuador, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan—to study carbon dynamics, biodiversity, and human-forest interactions in diverse ecosystems. Cutting-Edge Science: The initiative leverages advanced technologies like LiDAR, eDNA sampling, and real-time carbon monitoring to standardize data collection and inform policy. Education & Collaboration: FELLI fosters interdisciplinary learning for students and researchers while partnering with local communities and Indigenous stakeholders to co-develop sustainable solutions. Policy Impact: By bridging research and action, FELLI aims to combat deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss through scalable, science-based strategies.   Forests are vital to planetary health, yet they face unprecedented threats. FELLI’s living lab model offers a replicable framework for integrating research, education, and policymaking to safeguard these critical ecosystems. Download the Article   Global Solutions Journal The Forest Ecosystems Living Lab Initiative A Collaborative, International Network to Inform Forest Research and Management https://www.global-solutions-initiative.org/publication/global-solutions-journal-issue-11/ Authors: Benjamin Weaver, Early Career Researcher and Master’s Student in Transatlantic Forestry, University of British Columbia Juan Manuel Guayasamín, Professor and Vice Dean of Research, Director of the USFQ Tandayapa Cloud Forest Station, Universidad San Francisco de Quito Robert Kozak, Professor and Dean, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia Dominik Roeser, Professor and Associate Dean, Research Forests and Community Outreach, University of British Columbia Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Christina Schönleber, Chief Strategy Officer, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)   About the global solutions journal The Global Solutions Initiative facilitates international problem-solving. Our world-renowned network provides insights for better global governance. The journal’s work is rooted in independent research. It brings think tanks together to provide the intellectual basis of the Think20 process and inform high-level discussions at the G20, G7, and other global governance forums. The GSJ network spans policy, academia, civil society, and the private sector to provide research-based policy advice to help tackle major global challenges. The Global Solutions Initiative’s aim is to mobilize change to recouple economic, political and environmental progress with social prosperity. Global Solutions Initiative was founded in 2017 by President Dennis J. Snower during the German G20 Presidency. In the context of increasing pressure on the multilateral system, the 11th Issue of the Journal proposes new pathways to global prosperity. This edition of the Global Solutions Journal was published on the occasion of the South African G20 Presidency 2025, Canadian G7 Presidency 2025, and the Global Solutions Summit 2025. Authors’ contributions reflect their opinions only and are their sole responsibility.  

The inaugural meeting of the APRU Forest Ecosystems Living Lab Initiative (FELLI), hosted by the University of British Columbia in Vancouver from December 9 to 12, brought together six partner universities to set the agenda for this ambitious project. This gathering aimed to establish a shared foundation for the realization of FELLI and to develop a forward-looking vision for its future. The meeting highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing critical issues related to forest ecosystems, with a focus on creating tangible and measurable outcomes that will drive sustainable forest management and conservation. The APRU network partners are University of British Columbia Vancouver, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Kyushu University, National Taiwan University, University of the Philippines Los Baños, and Universiti Malaya. “The launch of APRU FELLI reflects the extreme importance of forests for ecosystem services that are imperative for our health and well-being, as well as for the health of our planet,” said APRU Chief Strategy Officer Christina Schönleber. “It sets the stage for proposal development resulting in tangible and measurable outcomes.” The meeting’s sessions were moderated by Dominik Roeser, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of the University of British Colombia’s Faculty of Forestry, and Juan Manuel Guayasamín Ernest, Vice Dean and Professor of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito’s College of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Hélène Marcoux, Manager of the University of British Columbia’s Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, led a forest walk to the old growth forest. Close to 20 participants discussed and identified priorities for the project’s research component and determined the next steps, including: Amplify the Initiative’s Reach: Propel FELLI into the spotlight across the APRU network and its community of partners. This includes the creation of a dedicated webpage that not only disseminates comprehensive information about the project but also showcases groundbreaking research papers, fostering a hub of knowledge and innovation. Empower Student Engagement and Education: Ignite a passion for forest ecosystems among students by developing a unified introductory course that serves as a cornerstone of their education. Establish a vibrant network of forestry students, creating a dynamic community that collaborates, learns, and leads the way in sustainable forest management. Pioneer Project Development and Research: Chart a course for pioneering research by identifying key focus areas and securing essential funding sources. This strategic approach will drive the development of impactful projects that push the boundaries of our understanding and management of forest ecosystems. Inform Policy through University Forest Challenges: Leverage the unique challenges faced by university forests to inform and shape policy on forest protection. By addressing these challenges, we can develop informed, evidence-based policies that safeguard our forests and ensure their health and resilience for future generations.