When we set out on the journey to explore the "True Value of Forests," we envisioned a global dialogue—a space where diverse voices could come together to reflect on the ecological, economic, social, and cultural importance of forests. What we found along the way was both humbling and inspiring: there is no single, universally accepted “true” value of forests. Instead, forests hold a multitude of meanings that differ across regions, communities, and individuals.

Over the course of 2024, the Wyss Academy Dialogues with Purpose brought together more than a hundred stakeholders across four continents—South America, Southeast Asia, East Africa, and Europe—as well as two virtual global sessions. These Dialogues created space for open, respectful exchange, where participants shared perspectives rooted in deeply personal experiences, scientific inquiry, ancestral knowledge, and lived realities. The result was a profound tapestry of forest values: from biodiversity and carbon regulation to food security, cultural identity, spiritual connection, and social cohesion.

The Global Synthesis Report brings together the insights and initiatives that emerged from these Dialogues. It reflects a collective effort to better understand how different people relate to forests, and how this understanding can guide more just, inclusive, and sustainable forest governance. As the report shows, many of the solutions are already within reach: they lie in amplifying local voices, empowering community-led action, and acknowledging plural perspectives in shaping forest futures.

We are now supporting regional engagement processes that build on the ideas sparked during the Dialogues. In parallel, we are preparing to publish a scientific article on the methodology of the Wyss Academy Dialogues, with the aim of contributing to broader debates on participatory approaches and systems change. This work will be shared at the FLARE Conference in Lima/Peru in October 2025.

We as Wyss Academy for Nature, extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the Dialogues and supported their implementation. Your openness, commitment, and depth of reflection gave meaning to this process. We hope that the synthesis report not only honours your contributions but also helps sustain momentum for action—by continuing the conversation, translating values into strategies, and supporting forest-positive initiatives around the world.