Representatives of the forest sectors of new European Union countries are to be invited to Finland for a brainstorming session.

The initiative comes from Forest Academy Finland (FORAFIN), a new forest forum aimed at supporting the EU‘s commitment for sustainable forest management.

It wants to develop a mutual exchange of views on forestry’s role in socio-economic development, particularly in the new EU countries.

The organisers want the exercise to be a two-way process where Finland and the participating countries can learn from each other.

A pilot forum of 25-30 key people is due to be held in Finland before the end of the year and if it is successful three or four more will be held in Finland during 2004.

Further information can be obtained from Anders Portin of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at anders.portin@mmm.fi.