IDF 2025 Forests and Foods innovation challenge

In Asia, forests are integral to food security, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods. They provide various food sources, from wild fruits and vegetables to medicinal plants. Asian forests support diverse agricultural systems, including agroforestry practices that have sustained communities for generations. These ecosystems are crucial for water resource management, soil conservation and preserving biodiversity, including essential pollinators for crop production. Forest-dependent communities and Indigenous Peoples rely on these resources for cultural practices and economic well-being. Moreover, forests play a significant role in climate change mitigation by storing vast amounts of carbon.

This March, we celebrate the International Day of Forests with the theme 'Forests and foods' through an innovation challenge. Kasetsart University Faculty of Forestry (KUFF) students are invited to contribute their innovative ideas to the global conversation on the interlinkages of forests and food systems. They will be able to propose solutions within their sphere of influence, the KUFF campus community, and the broader public, and potentially have their ideas implemented.

• Date: 13 February to 24 March 2025
• Open to: Kasetsart University Faculty of Forestry students (team of up to three students)
  • Graduate student level
  • Undergraduate student level
• In two parts: 
  • Face-to-face pitching lab (18 March, China Room, RECOFTC main office)
  • Pitching event (24 March,  ForTrop room, KUFF)

Examples of innovations

Forest-to-campus food innovation

• incorporating forest-sourced or forest-inspired foods into campus meal options
• an app that can count the carbon sequestration of the food that you are eating
• a business model for foods coming from forests to be featured in the campus canteen

Forest-inspired zero waste

• reducing food waste on campus using ideas inspired by forest ecosystems or traditional forest-based practices

Forest food awareness campaign

• creative awareness campaign for the campus community about the connection between forests, food security, nutrition and sustainable eating habits

Event plan

13-21 February : Sign up opens, closes on 21 February

26-27 February : First-round selection (RECOFTC and KUFF)

28 February : Announcement of selected groups with instructions

3 to 5 March : Kick-off: Introduction to the theme, tracks and guidelines (KUFF)

6 to 17 March : Ideation and development of groups: Teams work on projects

18 March : Pitching lab (China Room, RECOFTC)

19-23 March : Refinement of pitching strategy for groups

24 March : Final presentations: Teams pitch solutions to a panel of judges

Final presentations: Teams pitch solutions to a panel of judges