The International Symposium on Sustainable Forest Management will be held in Beijing on 25-27 September 2008. The symposium is the kickoff event of Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet) and is co-organized by Australia and China with the support from U.S .A and TNC. The Symposium will bring together government officials, senior scientists and experts in the region, representatives from the private sector, international organizations, regional organizations, as well as NGOs.

The Symposium signifies the inaugalation of APFNet with the introduction of the framework documents of APFNet to participants and launch of the website. It will also provide opportunities to participants to consider and discuss the status, opportunities, constraints and needs facing the sustainable management and rehabilitation of forests in the Region, based on which priority areas will be identified for the APFNet to facilitate future cooperation in the Region.

The Symposium will feature a two-day Symposium followed by a one-day field trip. The Symposium will be conducted in English, with Chinese interpretation.