Finland is starting an “academy” to support national forest sector development in Europe, especially in new EU countries.
Forest Academy Finland is designed to act as a forum supporting the EU‘s commitment to sustainable forestry and developing mutual exchange of views of the industry’s role in socio-economic development.
The initiative follows the economic restructuring process of the Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries which has led to a number of changes in forest ownership and management.
A workshop held by the Food and Agricultural Organisation, IUCN (The World Conservation Union) and the Confederation of European Forest Owners also found that CEE countries needed to develop their own resources to start up meaningful projects.
Forest sector representatives from the countries will be invited to the academy for brainstorming and information exchange sessions with elements of Finland’s forest industry.
A pilot forum of 25-30 key people is scheduled for December, comprising representatives from forestry administration, state forest services, private companies, research agencies and social and environmental aspects of the industry.
If successful, the pilot event will be followed by further forums during 2004.
The initiative is hosted by Finland’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and will be implemented by the Finnish Forest Association.
