The Fourth International Forum
International Young Scientist Forum on Climate Change
AI-Empowered Forest-Based Solutions
The Fourth International Forum
Welcome to IYSF 2026
The Fourth International Young Scientist Forum on Climate Change brings together emerging researchers, leading experts, and global partners under the theme “AI-Empowered Forest-Based Solutions.”
Building on three successful editions, IYSF 2026 offers a focused platform for presenting new research, exchanging ideas, and developing interdisciplinary partnerships across forest science, artificial intelligence, climate action, and sustainable development.
Join us in Fujian, China, on December 8–9, 2026, and help shape the future of forest-based climate solutions.
Conference Themes
Six integrated scientific sessions
The programme connects artificial intelligence, forest ecosystems, bamboo innovation, climate mitigation, disturbance forecasting, governance and human well-being.
AI-Enabled Forest Science
This session examines how artificial intelligence, remote sensing and integrated data systems can improve forest observation, modelling and management under climate change.
- AI-based forest inventories and biomass estimation
- Satellite, LiDAR and UAV-based forest monitoring
- Machine learning and digital twin forests
- AI-assisted planning and adaptive management
Bamboo Science, Innovation and Sustainable Development
This session connects bamboo ecology, resource management, material innovation and industrial development with climate mitigation and sustainable rural economies.
- Bamboo cultivation and ecosystem functions
- Carbon accounting and climate contributions
- Advanced materials and low-carbon substitution
- Green value chains and rural development
Forest Carbon and Nature-Based Climate Solutions
This session addresses forest carbon processes, monitoring and management alongside the effectiveness, safeguards and wider impacts of nature-based climate solutions.
- Forest carbon storage, cycling and accounting
- Climate-smart management and restoration
- Afforestation, reforestation and carbon recovery
- REDD+, carbon markets and co-benefit assessment
Wildfire Risk and Forest Disturbance Forecasting
This session brings together climate science, fire behaviour, early warning, remote sensing and artificial intelligence to anticipate and manage multiple forest disturbances.
- Wildfire danger and fire-weather assessment
- Fire behaviour modelling and early warning
- Pest, storm and compound-disturbance monitoring
- AI-enabled forecasting and post-disturbance recovery
Protected Areas and Watershed Governance
This session explores governance, ecological connectivity, restoration and water management across national parks, nature reserves and forested watersheds.
- National park and nature reserve governance
- Biodiversity conservation and connectivity
- Integrated watershed management and hydrology
- Restoration, water services and climate adaptation
Forests, Ecosystem Services and Human Well-Being
This session examines how forests generate ecological, economic and health benefits, and how those benefits can support equitable and resilient communities.
- Ecosystem-service assessment and natural capital
- Forest recreation, health and urban forestry
- Forest-dependent livelihoods and poverty reduction
- Value realization, justice and social development
Recognition & Excellence
IYSF 2026 Awards
The forum will recognize outstanding oral presentations and posters by young scientists across the six scientific sessions.
Keynote Programme
Keynote Speakers
Carlos Ruiz-Garvia
UNFCCC secretariat
Team Lead, Adaptation Committee, Adaptation Division, UNFCCC secretariat
Climate adaptation governance · resilience · international climate cooperation
John Innes
University of British Columbia
Dean Emeritus · Forest Renewal BC Chair in Forest Management · Professor
Sustainable forest management · forest policy and governance · forest certification · biodiversity conservation · climate change
Guangyu Wang
University of British Columbia
Associate Dean, Asian Strategies · Professor · Director, Asia Forest Research Centre
Forest ecosystem services · nature therapy · protected areas · human well-being
Siren Lan
Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Counsellor, Fujian Provincial People’s Government · Former President · Professor
National parks · protected areas · biodiversity conservation · ecological governance
Fuliang Cao
Nanjing Forestry University
Academician, Chinese Academy of Engineering · Professor
Silviculture · forest ecology · forest culture · ginkgo · bamboo and non-wood forest cultivation
Amy Duchelle
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Online Keynote · Senior Forestry Officer and Team Leader, Forests and Climate, FAO
Forests and climate · mitigation and adaptation · integrated fire and risk management · resilient livelihoods
Haitao Li
University of British Columbia
Geospatial Systems Analyst, Forest Resources Management
GIS · remote sensing · geospatial analysis · machine learning · forest applications
Organizers, Partners & Sponsors
Institutions supporting IYSF 2026
All organizers, co-organizers, publication partners and sponsors are presented together in one institution wall. Organizations without an available logo are displayed by their full official name.
Registration
Join IYSF 2026
Present your work, meet international researchers and contribute to practical forest-based climate solutions.