Master of International Forestry

02/12/2026

Dr. Peter Wood shares how our Master of International Forestry (MIF) program prepares students to lead in a world where climate change, biodiversity loss, and global cooperation are deeply connected.

Our MIF one-year program includes:
• Seven core courses
• An internship or directed studies component
• A field course in Costa Rica — a global reforestation success story
• Experiential learning in UBC campus’ surrounding living lab
In a time when global cooperation can feel uncertain, the MIF program is grounded in hope — and in real examples of countries working together to make environmental recovery possible.

⏳Apply now to join us in the 2026-27 cohort (due in 3 days)!

03/24/2025

Our first field trip to Costa Rica! 🌴🇨🇷

At the end of February, MIF students spent a week exploring Costa Rica, where they were able to see many international forestry issues in action, such as forest restoration, mangrove conservation, agroforestry, payment for ecosystem services, and community-based forest management. Enjoy this recap of our adventures!

03/05/2025

MIF students go on to do some pretty cool things! Check out our latest alumni profile, on Rory Read, who is currently working as a Forest Management Advisor in Indonesia: https://lnkd.in/gPzx-tg2 or check out the link in our bio.

01/14/2025

Winter semester with the MIF is well under way! In Terry Sunderland’s Natural Resource Planning class, students played the Landscape Game developed by CIFOR - Center for International Forestry Research. Students had fun embodying different stakeholders, devising strategies to increase profits while balancing environmental considerations within a given landscape.

If you were a landscape actor, what investment would you choose? Would you cut a forest down for timber, preserve it for carbon credits, clear it for oil palm, or build an eco-lodge? Can you achieve wealth while being eco-friendly? 💵🌳

10/28/2024

Come learn more about our program!

🌎🌲 Want to make an impact on forests globally? 🌎🌲

Join our Master of International Forestry info session to learn how this program can prepare you for a global career in forest policy, management, and sustainability. Discover the world of international forestry and its challenges and opportunities.

📅 Date: Oct. 31
🕒 Time: 9:30 AM PST
🔗 Sign up here: https://bit.ly/3Y8E2PF

10/10/2024

We are thrilled to have Dr. Hosny El-Lakany co-teaching the MIF course on International Forestry Negotiations, Diplomacy and Institutions, alongside Dr. Peter Wood. Dr. El-Lakany has served in many related international leadership positions, including as FAO’s Assistant Director-General and Head of the Forestry Department, and helped develop the MIF program itself. Students get an inside look at how multilateral environmental agreements are created, and take part in simulated negotiations while representing countries, stakeholders, and inter-governmental organizations. 🌲 🌳 🌴 🌍 🇺🇳

09/23/2024

Exploring Ecosystem-Based Forest Management at the Sunshine Coast Community Forest! 🌲☀️

Last week, we had the privilege of touring the Sunshine Coast Community Forest with Warren, Sara, and members of the board, where we engaged in discussions on ecosystem-based forest management. It was insightful to observe how sustainable forestry practices are being developed in close collaboration with local communities. We also had the opportunity to learn from Suzanne Senger of the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association, who shared the vital efforts being made to protect the region’s watershed.

To conclude the day, we participated in a mushroom foraging and identification walk, led by Angie, a UBC alumna and local forest expert. This immersive experience underscored the richness of forest ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts. It was a day filled with valuable knowledge exchange and connection with nature.

Thanks again to the .communityforest forest for hosting us!

09/13/2024

What an incredible orientation week for our Masters of International Forestry Program! 🌲🌏 We connected with our peers, instructors, and alumni, delved into the complexities of international forestry, and immersed ourselves in nature at Pacific Spirit Park. What was your favourite moment of the week? Share it with us below 👇 💬

09/04/2024

First day with the new cohort of MIF students— 17 students representing 12 nationalities!

08/16/2024

Internship spotlight: Kira Lin
“Discovering the links between fabric production and forest conservation has been eye-opening! My current project at CanopyPlanet.org involves researching the origins of forest fibre inputs for the production of common fashion materials like rayon and viscose. From reviewing literature and industry reports in both English and Chinese to analyzing trends in fibre volumes and sources, I’m gaining valuable insights into sustainable practices.”

08/02/2024

MIF internship spotlight: Zhaochen Li

Zhaochen is doing his internship at aiTree (http://aitree.ltd/) in North Vancouver, where he is learning how to use cutting-edge AI technologies to support forest landscape planning, forest growth modelling, and forest carbon analysis. We’re looking forward to hearing all about it!