Farewell to the 2024 Fellowship Program Participants
On 23 December 2024, the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) hosted a heartfelt farewell ceremony marking the official conclusion of the 2024 Fellowship Program. This year’s program ran for approximately 11 months, from February to December, and welcomed seven forestry government officials from six Member Countries. The fellowship officials not only deepened their expertise in sustainable forest management but also made meaningful contributions to AFoCO’s vision and future goals.
Celebrating Excellence and Contributions
The farewell ceremony served as a tribute to the fellowship officials exceptional achievements over the past year. Their diverse backgrounds and professional expertise enriched AFoCO’s initiatives, while their dedication and collaborative spirit helped foster progress in forestry management both locally and nationally. The ceremony celebrated their unwavering commitment to excellence and their impactful contributions to sustainable forestry in Asia.
Major Achievements of the 2024 Fellowship Program
Throughout the program, the fellowship officials engaged in various transformative activities that left a lasting impact on AFoCO’s projects and initiatives. These included mid-term evaluations and monitoring of on-going projects, enhancements to the AFoCO Information Data Platform, and the development of project proposals and concept notes aligned with AFoCO’s strategic goals. Their efforts were instrumental in organizing major events such as annual technical workshops, training programs, and international forums, which strengthened collaboration and capacity-building among Member Countries.
The fellows also participated in specialized training programs to deepen their expertise in areas such as forest fire management, drone operations, seed storage and management techniques, and sustainable mangrove restoration. These valuable experiences not only advanced AFoCO’s current projects but also laid a solid foundation for future initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable forestry practices across the region.
Farewell Messages from the Fellowship Officials
Ms. Pudsakorn Neamsawat (Thailand)
Working as a Fellowship Officer in the Capacity-Building & Evaluation Team at the AFoCO Secretariat has been an honor that significantly shaped my professional development. It has broadened my understanding of educational exchange, project implementation, and management. Collaborations with Secretariat staff, fellowship officials, member countries, and partners provided me with invaluable insights into the importance of collaboration in forest management and fostering partnerships with local communities to improve livelihoods. Engaging in projects such as mid-term evaluations in Lao PDR and Vietnam, the development of the AFoCO Map-Based Information Data Platform, and the facilitation of workshops and conferences in Thailand enriched my knowledge while enhancing my communication skills and expertise in project data verification. Additionally, contributing my artistic abilities to design exhibitions and publish materials for the AFoCO Scholarship Program was a rewarding experience. These opportunities have deepened my appreciation for AFoCO’s mission and inspired me to apply this knowledge meaningfully in future initiatives.
Mr. Rifki Masawa Aulia El Halim (Indonesia)
My five-month fellowship at AFoCO was an invaluable experience, enriching my understanding of project management, strategic planning, event execution, and sustainable development. Witnessing AFoCO’s dedication to forestry initiatives firsthand reinforced my belief in their ability to create impactful change. Programs such as mangrove restoration have great potential to benefit other regions facing similar ecological challenges. Expanding these efforts, coupled with robust monitoring and evaluation systems, would amplify AFoCO’s contributions to global forest health while fostering continuous improvement. Additionally, embracing digital transformation, such as integrating AI and refining the carbon calculator, can enhance project monitoring, streamline operations, and improve stakeholder engagement. I also see opportunities for AFoCO to expand collaborations with businesses, academia, and civil society organizations to further advance sustainable forest management. This fellowship has solidified my belief in AFoCO’s potential to drive impactful benefits for Asia’s forests and beyond.
Ms. Suizanna Ismatovna (Kyrgyzstan)
During the fellowship, I had the unique opportunity to understand the Secretariat’s goals and the efforts made to achieve meaningful results. Participating in a project monitoring and evaluation mission in Thailand under team leader’s leadership was an invaluable experience, offering a firsthand view of how AFoCO’s initiatives contribute to forest restoration, community well-being, and land degradation mitigation.
My contributions included developing a strategic plan, collecting data for a carbon project in Kyrgyzstan, drafting a country profile, and supporting the implementation of a forest seed storage facility project. These experiences greatly enhanced my understanding of sustainable forestry strategies and provided valuable insights for my future work.
Mr. Eko Sutrisno (Indonesia)
My experience at AFoCO has been incredibly enriching, significantly enhancing my skills in forest conservation, environmental management, and organizational practices. I gained valuable insights into decision-making processes emphasizing scientific rigor and time management, alongside practical techniques applicable to my work. Learning to use an emission calculator, for instance, has inspired me to integrate it into my organization’s annual reporting system.
This program has been transformative, equipping me with the tools and knowledge to contribute effectively to sustainability and environmental conservation efforts.
Looking Ahead
The AFoCO Executive Director, Dr. Chongho Park, commended the fellowship officials for their dedication and significant contributions during their time at AFoCO. He expressed confidence that, upon returning to their respective countries, the fellowship officials will continue to excel in their forestry fields, applying the knowledge and skills they have gained to drive positive change. AFoCO looks forward to maintaining close contact and fostering ongoing collaboration with the fellows, as they join efforts to achieve the shared vision of Working towards a Greener Asia. Their continued engagement will be instrumental in advancing sustainable forestry practices and strengthening regional cooperation for a healthier, more resilient environment.
Submitted by Kiwon Kim, Assistant Program Officer, Capacity-Building and Evaluation Team
