Faces of Forestry is an initiative of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) to highlight people doing great work to enhance our forests throughout British Columbia. This month, we feature Fahimeh Yazdan Panah, Associate Executive Director at the Wood Pellet Association of Canada.
Fahimeh holds a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of British Columbia, with a primary focus on bioenergy. She is also a Professional Engineer and holds a Project Management Professional certification.
Fahimeh’s interest in forestry grew out of a passion for renewable energy and the belief that science can make a real difference in how we live.
“Early in my career, I remember visiting a pellet plant for the first time and being struck by the transformation happening there. Piles of what many people would see as ‘waste’ – sawdust, bark, and other forest residuals – were being turned into clean energy that could heat homes, power industries, and replace fossil fuels,” she explained. “That combination of science, environmental responsibility, and human impact is what pulled me in and what keeps me inspired every day.”
As the current Associate Executive Director at the Wood Pellet Association of Canada (WPAC), her role balances strategic leadership with technical engagement. On a day-to-day basis, Fahimeh works closely with pellet producers, researchers, government, and international partners to advance safety, innovation, and sustainability in the biomass sector. This includes everything from leading research on pellet self-heating and storage safety, to contributing to policy dialogues, organizing industry workshops and conferences, and building collaborations across Canada and globally.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be working with the Wood Pellet Association of Canada. This role has given me the opportunity to combine my passion for science and sustainability with meaningful, real-world impact,” she noted. “Every day, I get to collaborate with brilliant colleagues, dedicated industry members, and partners like FESBC who share the same vision of healthier forests, safer communities, and a cleaner energy future.”
Over the years, WPAC and FESBC have built a relationship rooted in shared goals and tangible results. Fahimeh’s involvement has included everything from contributing technical expertise to helping shape and highlight projects that recover residual wood fibre for pellet production – material that would have otherwise been burned in slash piles.
“I see FESBC as a key partner in helping connect the dots between sustainable forestry, climate action, and clean energy,” she added. “Being part of WPAC has shown me how powerful collaboration can be. No one organization can do this alone, but together, we are building something bigger than any one of us: a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable future for the forest sector and the communities that depend on it.”
As the wood pellet sector continues to play a central role in Canada’s bioeconomy and in global decarbonization efforts, Fahimeh emphasizes the importance of ensuring the industry remains safe, sustainable, and science-based. This foundation, she notes, is key to delivering climate benefits, supporting jobs, and opening the door to new opportunities across the forestry sector.
For her, one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of her job is bringing together industry, academia, government, and communities to tackle complex challenges. Whether it’s helping to reduce wildfire risks, creating jobs in rural and northern regions, or helping Canada and the world meet their climate goals, she finds inspiration in knowing that her work is making a difference for people and communities.
In addition, she appreciates the broader role that forestry plays in sustainability.
“Forestry is so much more than cutting down trees. It’s about caring for landscapes and balancing many values at once: wildfire prevention, biodiversity, carbon storage, renewable energy, and the livelihoods of local communities. When done responsibly, forestry ensures that every part of the tree is put to good use, with nothing wasted. I want people to see it not as an extractive activity, but as a stewardship role – one that links healthy forests to healthy communities and a more sustainable future.”
Thank you, Fahimeh, for your leadership and dedication to advancing sustainable forestry and renewable energy solutions in Canada and beyond.