Featured Member of the Month
2010-02-15
National Forest Centre, Zvolen, Slovakia
About the Centre
The National Forest Centre is a semi-budgetary forestry agency established by the Slovak Republic Ministry of Agriculture on 1 January 2006. The Centre reports directly to the Department of Forestry and Wood-processing of the Ministry of Agriculture SR.
Creation of the National Forest Centre
The National Forest Centre was founded on 1 January 2006 from 3 formerly independent public forestry agencies which ceased to operate as independent legal entities with effect to 31 December 2005:
- Forest Research Institute Zvolen
- Lesoprojekt Zvolen
- Institute for Further Training and Education of Forestry Professionals.
It is based in Zvolen, the bastion of forestry in Slovakia. The Forest Research Institute moved its offices and operations to Zvolen in 1964. Lesoprojekt Zvolen was based in the town since 1950. Institute for Further Training and Education of Forestry Professionals was established in 1978.
The Centre was formed to provide a modern national platform for the integration of forest research, planning, consulting, further education and forestry practice into one coherent unit able to better respond to challenges facing forestry in the 21st century. Its staff are currently organised in four institutes:
- NFC – Forest Research Institute Zvolen (NFC-FRI Zvolen)
- NFC – Institute for Forest Consulting and Education (NFC-IFCE Zvolen)
- NFC – Institute for Forest Resources and Information (NFC-IFRI Zvolen)
- NFC – Forest Management Planning Institute (NFC-FPI Zvolen)
In 2008, we commemorated the 110th Anniversary of forest research (NFC-FRI Zvolen) and 30th Anniversary of lifelong education of forestry professionals (NFC-IFCE Zvolen) in Slovakia.
Mission, aims & objectives
The aims
- To assist national administration on forests in achieving its high profile objectives.
- To take lead in development and promotion of sustainable management of national forest resources.
- To contribute to rural development through diversification of land based economic activities.
The objectives
- To provide high-quality services to stakeholders involved in forest and associated sectors.
- To ensure active and appropriate transfer of knowledge on forest ecosystems and their dynamics with respect to multiple needs of various stakeholders.
- To provide research, development and monitoring services meeting SK forestry needs.
- To support sectoral innovations.
Why is membership in IUFRO is important for the National Forest Centre?
As for National Forest Centre IUFRO represents high scientific potential and wide range of professional opportunities, especially integrated research. At the same time National Forest Centre appreciates reinforcing the international cooperation through IUFRO networking possibilities and professional activities by strengthening of professional contacts, proper integration within the European Research Area, entering into common professional project consortia. Active IUFRO membership of National Forest Centre is a challenge for all involved scientists to push forward the frontiers of science.
National Forest Centre Zvolen
Links:
- NFC homepage: http://www.nlcsk.sk/
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