What is the Asian Forest Living Lab Initiative?
AFoCO’s Asian Forest Living Lab Initiative is a flagship 10-year regional platform under the Climate Action Plan (2025–2034) that transforms project sites into “living laboratories” to design, test, and scale science-based solutions to climate change, forest degradation, and biodiversity loss. Endorsed by AFoCO’s Assembly and partners, it connects researchers, public institutions, local communities, entrepreneurs, and impact investors to co-create practical, field-oriented approaches that directly inform on-the-ground forest management.
Implemented through three complementary programs—AFoCO-ASEAN (multi-country collaboration and policy-relevant research), AFoCO-NIFoS (thematic expert-led initiatives such as mangrove restoration and climate adaptation), and AFoCO-KOAGI (forest genetic resources and seed management, including the Baekdudaegan Global Seed Vault)—the initiative integrates research, policy, and practice to deliver scalable, climate-resilient forestry solutions across Asia.
Preparation (2024–2025) → Expansion (2026–2030) → Institutionalization (2031–2034)
2) Launch thematic R&D working groups
3) Integrate AI, remote sensing, and smart forestry technologies
4) Develop regional policy frameworks
5) Scale precision forestry models
and field implementation
Living Lab B
Innovation-Led
Living Lab A
Research-Innovation Balance
Living Lab C
Practice-Oriented
Living Lab D
Research-LED
Diagram: Four Main Concepts of the Asian Forest Living Lab
Concept A – Balanced Model (Equal focus on research and innovation)
Concept B – Innovation-Focused Model (Driven mainly by innovation)
Concept C – Practice-Focused Model (Emphasis on practical application)
Concept D – Research-Focused Model (Emphasis on research development)
Since 2023, the AFoCO Secretariat has strengthened its engagement with ASEAN forestry platforms to advance research and development cooperation. The AFoCO–ASEAN Forest Living Lab Initiative was formally introduced at the 27th ASOF meeting in 2024 and later endorsed at the 28th ASOF in 2025, with its inclusion reflected in key ASEAN sectoral strategies. The Initiative is designed as a multi-country programme that utilizes AFoCO project sites as “living laboratories” to pilot nature-based and market-based solutions, while promoting public–private partnerships in the forest and forestry sector.
The AFoCO–NIFoS Living Lab Program focuses on developing practical demonstration models that link research, policy, and implementation for climate-resilient forest management. Preparatory meetings in September 2025 established two Working Groups on Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration and Climate Change Adaptation, identifying key priorities such as ecosystem restoration, livelihood resilience, and contributions to NDCs. In 2026, these Working Groups will be formally launched through Member Country nominations to guide pilot activities and ensure delivery of tangible, country-driven outcomes aligned with regional and global climate agendas.
The AFoCO–KOAGI Living Lab Program aims to strengthen regional cooperation on forest genetic resources through seed management, conservation, and applied research. Following a preparatory meeting in June 2025, a Seed Management Working Group was established, with KOAGI leading technical coordination. The Working Group is set to be formally launched in 2026, with the goal of developing a regional platform for seed conservation, genetic diversity protection, and capacity building, while promoting the long-term preservation of wild and endangered tree species at the Baekdudaegan Global Seed Vault (BGSV).