University of Forestry Explores Opportunities for International Cooperation with Dr. Juliet Biao, Director of the UN Forum on Forests Secretariat

Today, the University of Forestry hosted an official meeting in its Academic Hall with Dr. Juliet Biao, Director of the Secretariat of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF).
The occasion was particularly meaningful, as Dr. Biao is also an alumna of the University of Forestry, making this visit a special return to her alma mater. She met with representatives of the University’s leadership and academic community to discuss prospects for cooperation and current challenges relating to sustainable forest management, environmental protection and agricultural development.

Representing the University of Forestry, the meeting was attended by:

Prof. Elena Dragozova, PhD, Landscape Architect – Vice-Rector for Accreditation and Rankings, Communication Policy and Career Development;

Prof. Petar Antov, PhD – Vice-Rector for Research and Project Activities, Digitalisation, Innovation and International Cooperation;

Assoc. Prof. Kalin Hristov, DVM, PhD – Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Quality Assurance, Student and Doctoral Affairs;

Assoc. Prof. Momchil Panayotov, PhD – Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Forestry;

Prof. Petar Zhelev, PhD, and Assoc. Prof. Evgeni Tsavkov – Department of Dendrology;

Prof. Ekaterina Todorova, PhD – Dean of the Faculty of Ecology and Landscape Architecture;

Prof. Rumen Tomov, PhD – Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy.

Asoc. Prog. Iliana Ryzhanova-Gospodinova, , DVM, PhD

Discussions focused on opportunities to establish partnerships and develop joint initiatives in forestry, ecology, forest ecosystem conservation and restoration, sustainable natural resource management and agronomy.

Particular attention was given to the future of forests in Bulgaria and worldwide, the challenges facing forest conservation, adaptation to climate change, the restoration of degraded ecosystems, and the importance of scientific research and professional expertise in developing effective policies for sustainable development.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange professional experience and ideas, bringing together the international institutional expertise of the United Nations and the academic and research capabilities of the University of Forestry. The discussions highlighted shared priorities where research, education and international cooperation can contribute to addressing today’s environmental and societal challenges through sustainable solutions.

For the University of Forestry, meetings of this kind are an important part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening international academic partnerships, promoting scientific exchange and connecting the education of future professionals with global priorities in forestry, biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.

Dr. Juliet Biao’s visit is particularly significant in light of her academic background. As an alumna of the University of Forestry, she represents a remarkable example of how the knowledge and
professional foundations gained at the University can lead to an international career and active involvement in some of the most important global processes shaping the future of the world’s forests.

The University of Forestry continues to strengthen its role as an academic and research institution fostering international dialogue, knowledge exchange and expert contributions towards a sustainable future for forests and the natural environment.