President's Message: March 2024

Greetings Friends,

For many Japanese, the blooming of the cherry blossom trees symbolises human life, transience and nobleness. The Japanese love to celebrate and cherish the cherry blossoms trees during the limited flowering period and many hold ‘flower watching parties know as Hanami!’

Hanami is the ancient tradition of going to enjoy the blooming of cherry blossoms (sakura) and sometimes plum blossoms (ume) in parks and throughout the countryside in Japan. These unique moments are at the centre of what Landscape Architects are so passionate about - unique and magical moments within the different countries!

From where I am writing this, in Sydney, Australia, it approaches Autumn, and it is getting colder. As the year progresses at a rapid pace, the International Federation Landscape Architecture Asia Pacific Region is busy with initiatives and activities!

We have an active IFLA APR Executive Committee which is highly collaborative with IFLA World.

As a team we are working on various committee opportunities across different Asia Pacific Countries, representing the regional organisation in a collaborative and cooperative manner in the best interests of the IFLA APR and the landscape architecture profession.

One final update is our IFLA APR Jobs Board progress – As endorsed in the 2023 Annual Regional Meeting the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) Asia Pacific Region is in a unique position where we as an organisation can help member nations both public and private organisations share job opportunities both domestically and internationally.

When considering international job offers, this helps member nations share migratory skills and experience aligning with IFLA Goals and Objectives - encouraging cross nations collaboration.

It will be live in April!

Warm Regards, 

Chris Tidswell

IFLA APR President