Haere mai. Welcome to the 11^th IUFRO meeting 'Phytophthora in forests and natural ecosystems'

Forests and natural ecosystems provide critical ecosystem, cultural and economic services worldwide. Foundational plants within these systems are increasingly challenged by emergent invasive biotic threats due to climatic and anthropogenic driven change and increasing movement of people and goods across biogeographic zones. Phytophthora pathogens are one key group of invasive plant pathogens that are having a disproportionate impact on forests and native ecosystems internationally, with devastating consequences for the forest ecology, culture and economies.

With climate change, Aotearoa/New Zealand is seeing a range of impacts from well-established and emergent Phytophthora pathogens. Since the 2000’s the recognition of Phytophthora agathidicida as the primary causal agent of kauri dieback has seen focus shift back to the role these introduced pathogens are having within our natural ecosystems. In parallel, the introduction and establishment of Phytophthora pluvialis has seen red needle cast establish as a widespread needle disease of radiata pine, the predominant commercial forestry species in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s response to pathogens impacting forests and natural ecosystems is uniquely shaped by the inclusion of kaitiaki (Māori guardians), recognition of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and the adoption of the principles and practices of Māori kaitiakitanga (guardianship). The use of Māori knowledge in New Zealand forest conservation has a key role in shaping the longer-term strategic goals of research, policy and the operationalisation of Māori-led management and research priorities in forest health. This conference will showcase several research partnerships and the operational work happening in the forest in response to the growing body of knowledge and understanding of the impacts these pathogens are having in New Zealand’s unique forest systems.

This conference will provide the ideal forum for updating knowledge, evidence, solutions and failures between scientific, academic and practical approaches. It is also an opportunity to enhance the dialogue of long experienced expertise with the new generations of scientists, which will provide creative and new solutions in the near future.

We warmly welcome you to this conference and look forward to this special opportunity to share and learn from each other.