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Activities and events

No upcoming meetings found for Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge.


Calendar of Meetings


9th International Conference on Traditional Forest Knowledge (TFK): "Managing TFK to meet global challenges on biodiversity and ecosystem services for community welfare and wellbeing"; Bogor, Indonesia; 31 August - 2 September 2016. 2nd Call - Information


Past Task Force events

Discussion Forum on Social Safeguards to Protect the Rights and Interests of Indigenous and Local Communities in REDD+; Durban, South Africa; 4 December 2011; held on the occasion of Forest Day 5.

Documents:

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CBD SBSTTA 15 side-event: Traditional Forest-Related Knowledge: Supporting the Objectives of the Convention; Montreal, Canada; 9 November 2011. Flyer - Presentation

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FORESTS, HUMAN HEALTH AND WELL-BEING: FINDINGS OF IUFRO'S RECENT SCIENCE INITIATIVES

Buenos Aires, Argentina; 19 October 2009, 12.45–14.15 h;

Side Event organized by IUFRO Task Forces "Forests and Human Health", "Traditional Forest Knowledge" and "Improving the Lives of People in Forests" at the XIII World Forestry Congress.

1st Announcement - Programme

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FOREST BIODIVERSITY, TRADITIONAL FOREST RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN EASTERN EUROPE, NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ASIA

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; 28-30 June 2009

Organized by: The Global Forest Coalition, the NGO "BIOM", and IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge, with support from IUFRO's Special Programme for Developing Countries, the Netherlands Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Korean Forestry Research Institute.

Objectives of the conference: The conference provided a platform for sharing of information and exchanging experiences among scientists, the holders and users of traditional forest related knowledge, forest managers and other relevant stakeholders related to forest biodiversity and  traditional forest related knowledge in Eastern Europe, Northern and Central Asia. It also highlighted the importance of TFRK towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals and sustainable forest management, and encouraging further development towards incorporating TFRK in models of sustainable forest management practices.

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TRADITIONAL FOREST-RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN AFRICA

Accra, Ghana; 15-17 October 2008

Organized by: The Conference was organized jointly by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research of Ghana (CSIR), the University of Ghana, IUFRO's Special Programme for Developing Countries and IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge, with support from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management

Objectives of the conference: The conference provided a platform for sharing of information and exchanging experiences among scientists, the holders and users of traditional forest-related knowledge, forest managers and other relevant stakeholders related to traditional forest-related knowledge in Africa.

All abstracts and presentations of conference participants have been made available for download together with the conference report.

The proceedings of this conference were published as IUFRO World Series No. 23.

Further information:
Prof. Alfred Oteng-Yeboah, otengyeboah(at)yahoo.co.uk
Dr. John Parrotta,jparrotta(at)fs.fed.us

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FOREST RELATED TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND CULTURE

Seoul, Republic of Korea; 5-9 October 2008

Organized by:
The Conference was organized jointly by Korea Forest Research Institute, Seoul National University, the Society for Forest and Culture with sponsor of United Nations University and IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge.

Objectives of the conference:
The conference brought together international experts in forestry, cultural history, ethno-botany, traditional knowledge, landscape planning, and agriculture. The conference participants mainly came from, but not necessarily limited to, northeast Asia. The conference was to provide opportunities for scientists and specialists to exchange and share each country’s ideas and traditional practices and tried to find common practices applicable to modern forested landscape management.

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CONFERENCE ON ADAPTATION OF FORESTS AND FOREST MANAGEMENT TO CLIMATE CHANGE WITH EMPHASIS ON FOREST HEALTH - REVIEW OF SCIENCE, POLICIES, AND PRACTICES

Umeå, Sweden; 25-28 August 2008

Organized by:
The Conference was jointly organized by SLU, FAO and IUFRO: 1.00.00, 2.00.00, 3.00.00, 4.00.00, 5.00.00, 6.00.00, 7.00.00, 8.00.00, TF on Traditional Forest Knowledge, TF Forest Science-Policy Interface, TF Endangered Species and Nature Conservation

Objectives of the Conference:
The conference will focus on the current state of knowledge of ongoing changes in climatic conditions in different regions of the world, and the implications of these changes for forest management and conservation. Presentations and discussions will emphasise research, policies and practices that are needed to enable us to plan for and manage healthy, productive forests to meet future societal needs for forest products and the full range of forest goods and services. Ongoing research in various fields of forest and forest related sciences will be presented in parallel sessions of the conference.

Website:http://www.forestadaptation2008.net/

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SYPMPOSIUM ON "SMALL-SCALE FOREST USE AND MANAGEMENT: GLOBAL POLICIES VERSUS LOCAL KNOWLEDGE"

Gerardmer, France; 23-27 June 2008

Co-sponsored by IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge, IUFRO units RG 3.08.00 and WP 6.12.01, European Forestry Institute and AgroParisTech-ENGREF (France).

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SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION: ROLES OF TRADITIONAL FOREST-RELATED KNOWLEDGE

Kunming, China; 17-20 December 2007

Click here to view the Powerpoint presentations of the Kunming meeting.

The proceedings of this conference were published as IUFRO World Series No. 21

The conference was organized by the IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF), Korea Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Seoul National University (SNU), and the Asia Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions (APAFRI); as well as other member institutions in the Asia Pacific region, and other related regional and international agencies.  The conference was hosted by Sustainable Forest Research Centre of Chinese Academy of Forestry.

Contact persons:

Dr. John Parrotta (IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge) - jparrotta(at)fs.fed.us
Dr. Liu Jinlong (Chinese Academy of Forestry) - liujinlong_jl(at)hotmail.com
Dr. Sim Heok-Choh (APAFRI) - simhc(at)frim.gov.my

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SHARING INDIGENOUS WISDOM: AN INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2007

Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; 11-15 June 2007

Organized by: the Sustainable Development Institute of the College of Menominee Nation, U.S. Forest Service and IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge.

Objectives of the conference: Traditional wisdom and its associated knowledge about forests and other ecosystems are keys to the development of sustainable natural resource policies and practices.  This conference, the 2nd in a series of regional meetings of the IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge, was held to foster dialogue on traditional indigenous knowledge and how this is being incorporated into models and practices for sustainable development. It explored how Menominee model of sustainable development and other successful models of sustainability allow for the preservation of indigenous lands, sovereignty and culture while providing for integrated economic development, institutional capacity building and technological advancement.

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ABOUT THE USE OF FOREST TREES – EXTRAORDINARY RENEWABLE RAW MATERIALS

Baden, Lower Austria, Austria; 14-17 September 2006

Symposium organized by: IUFRO Research Group 6.07.00 – Forest and Woodland History & IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge

Objectives of the conference: Given its growing importance in numerous political discussions held within national, regional and international organisations and forums, this conference explored the significance and relevance of local and indigenous knowledge about forests and traditional utilisation practices, as well as the need to take account of this knowledge in the development of political strategies which aim at sustainable forest management.

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CULTURAL HERITAGE AND SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT: THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Italian Academy of Forestry Science, Firenze, Italy; 8-10 June 2006

Organized by: IUFRO Research Group 6.07.00 – Forest History, IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge

Objectives of the conference: Traditional forest knowledge and innovative forest management practices developed by rural communities over the centuries have contributed significantly to the world's natural and cultural heritage, not only by creating and maintaining landscapes of outstanding beauty, but also by helping to sustain production of multiple goods and services that enhance livelihood security and quality of life. The theme of the conference reflected the significant overlap of interests between the holders and users of traditional forest knowledge and a number of policy and planning issues and initiatives within the European Union, the broader European region, and the global forest policy community.


Reports from past Task Force events


INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FOREST BIODIVERSITY, TRADITIONAL FOREST RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN EASTERN EUROPE, NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ASIA

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; 28-30 June 2009

Organized by: The Global Forest Coalition, the Ecological Movement "BIOM", Kyrgyz National University, and IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge, with support from IUFRO's Special Programme for Developing Countries, the Netherlands Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Korean Forestry Research Institute.
17 international participants from Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan took part in the conference. Altogether 90 participants from representatives of governmental organizations, expert community, non-government organizations, education institutions, etc. took part in the conference. (See the program and the list of participants in an Appendix).

Two working excursions were held within the framework of the conference:

  1. Chon-Kemin National Park (June 28, 2009) and
  2. Issyk-Kul State Reserve (July 1 – July 5, 2009). Within the framework of this excursion a number of natural, historical and other activities were organized in Issyk-Kul region.

Work in three directions was organized at this conference:

  • Traditional forest related knowledge;
  • Conservation of forest biodiversity in Kyrgyzstan
  • Work of the Global Forest Coalition

Based on the results of the conference the resolution of participants was prepared (see resolution in an Appendix) and plans of further work in the sphere of traditional forest related  knowledge, conservation of forest biodiversity and climate change were discussed. At this moment the resolution is considered by participants of the conference to be finalized.

Articles, reports and presentations will be included into the proceedings of the conference.

Work with news media within the framework of the conference. Attending the conference were mass media specialists, among them specialists of the Union of Photojournalists of Kyrgyzstan, who placed a photo-report of the conference at the web-site: http://www.photo.kg/gallery/eko/2049/

At the end of the conference, a press-conference was held, where questions of forest biodiversity conservation, protection of traditional knowledge and other relevant issues were taken up. (See the press release in an Appendix).

News on the conference can be found at:
http://www.photo.kg/gallery/eko/2049/  
http://rus.kabar.kg/2009/07/01/press-konferenciya-o-nacionalnyx-tradiciyax-v-soxranenii-prirody/print/http://www.ekois.net/wp/?p=4541
http://www.caresd.net/site.html?en=0&id=22533

Conference Report

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TRADITIONAL FOREST-RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN AFRICA

Accra, Ghana; 15-17 October 2008

Organized by the IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge, in cooperation with IUFRO-SPDC, University of Ghana and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-Ghana).

The principal topics explored during the conference included:

  • Societal perspectives on African forests in relation to livelihoods, culture, and conservation policies;
  • The contribution of traditional forest-related knowledge to sustainable forest management, traditional agricultural production systems, and poverty reduction goals;
  • The roles of traditional knowledge and management practices in sustaining cultural identity and rural livelihoods;
  • Application of traditional knowledge in management of forest and agricultural ecosystems for food, forest products and environmental services;
  • Non-timber forest products, ethnobiology and utilization of forest plants and animals in nutrition, traditional health care, and cultural expression;
  • Conflicts between local and indigenous forest management practices and forest governance systems (traditional/local vs State) and efforts to resolve them;
  • Challenges and opportunities for the study, preservation and enhancement of traditional knowledge to contribute to sustainable rural livelihoods and diverse forest management objectives;
  • Policy issues and processes affecting the preservation and development of traditional forest knowledge.  

The conference was attended by approximately 40 participants from 13 countries in Africa plus delegates from Europe and North America.  Delegates included researchers from numerous biophysical and social science disciplines, academicians and teachers, students, representatives of community-based NGOs, national forest management agencies.

Among the issues highlighted during the conference is the general lack of recognition of the importance of traditional forest-related knowledge for livelihood security (including sustainable agricultural production and health care) by decision-makers at the national level, including those responsible for policies and management decisions about forests and woodlands which have been under traditional management by local and indigenous communities long before the establishment of state-level forest management agencies. The need to foster greater awareness of traditional knowledge and practices among policy makers, planners and the general public was highlighted, as was the need for greater involvement of forest-dependent people in forestry and agricultural policies, planning and management.  Also discussed were the shortcomings (and some failures) of many biodiversity conservation efforts in countries where establishment and management of protected areas have failed to recognize and respect the customary use rights and the roles of traditional use practices (and traditional forest governance systems) in maintaining these ecosystems and sustaining the physical, social, and spiritual well-being of forest-dependent communities.

The actual and potential importance of forest science to helping protect and realize the full potential of traditional forest-related knowledge was discussed during the conference. Among the major points echoed throughout the conference by the participants were the importance of multi-disciplinary, participatory, research (both biophysical and social sciences); the critical issue of trust and respect (for communities, their cultures, beliefs and practices) in research on traditional knowledge, and the need for such research to help solve immediate, practical problems faced by the communities in which they work.

Working with local and indigenous communities, the forest science community can contribute to the revitalization of traditional forest-related knowledge in several important ways, including:

  • Documentation of TFK in close partnership with holders and users of this knowledge, respecting the rights of local communities with regards to intellectual property protection and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the possible use of this knowledge;
  • Research on traditional forest management practices and uses of forest biodiversity that help to elucidate the ecological underpinnings of traditional knowledge, and enhance possibilities for effective integration of scientific and traditional knowledge for improved forest resource management;
  • Integration of TFK into forestry curricula, and partnership with the holders and users of traditional knowledge for education of the general public and decision-makers on the livelihood and environmental values of TFK.

The conference organizers wish to thank the following sponsors for their generous support: Korea Forest Research Institute, Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, U.S. Forest Service, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Conference Report

The proceedings of this conference are being published as IUFRO World Series No. 23.

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SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION: ROLES OF TRADITIONAL FOREST-RELATED KNOWLEDGE

17-20 December 2007; Kunming, China

Organized by the IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF), Korea Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Seoul National University (SNU), and the Asia Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions (APAFRI); as well as other member institutions in the Asia Pacific region, and other related regional and international agencies.  The conference was hosted by Sustainable Forest Research Centre of Chinese Academy of Forestry.

Traditional knowledge and practices have sustained the livelihoods, cultures and the forest and agricultural resources of local and indigenous communities throughout Asia for centuries. This knowledge, most often tightly interwoven with traditional religious beliefs, customs, folklore, land-use practices and community-level decision-making processes, has historically been dynamic, responding to changing environmental, social, economic and political conditions to ensure that forest resources continue to provide tangible (foods, medicines, wood and other non-timber forest products, water and fertile soils) and intangible (spiritual, social and psychological health) benefits for present and future generations.

Despite their importance and contributions to sustainable rural livelihoods, traditional forest-related knowledge and practices are fast disappearing in most Asian countries, (and indeed worldwide) for a number of reasons. The expansion of the increasingly globalized market economy in previously self-sufficient rural areas, the impact of infrastructure development and greater exposure to mass media, and government policies and regulations within and outside of the forest sector restricting access and traditional use of forest resources, have led to a general erosion of traditional culture and of traditional land and forest management knowledge and practices, and declining interest in traditional wisdom, knowledge, and lifestyles among younger generations. The negative implications of this loss of TFK on livelihoods, cultural and biological diversity, and the capacity of forested landscapes to provide environmental goods and services remain poorly understood, largely unappreciated, and undervalued by policy-makers and the general public in most countries.

Working with local and indigenous communities, the forest science community can contribute to the revitalization of traditional forest-related knowledge in several important ways, including:

  • Documentation of TFK in close partnership with holders and users of this knowledge, using ethically appropriate study methods;
  • Research on traditional forest management conservation and practices that help to elucidate and generalize the ecological underpinnings of traditional knowledge;
  • Economics, marketing and policy research aimed at improving opportunities for increasing rural incomes from products and services provided by application of TFK;
  • Integration of TFK into forestry curricula, and partnership with the holders and users of traditional knowledge for education of the general public and decision-makers on the livelihood and environmental values of TFK.

Conference Report

The proceedings of this conference were published as IUFRO World Series No. 21. Selected papers were published in a special issue of Forest Ecology and Management (volume 257, no. 10, 30 April 2009)

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SHARING INDIGENOUS WISDOM: AN INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2007

Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; 11-15 June 2007

Organized by: IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge, the Sustainable Development Institute of the College of Menominee Nation, U.S. Forest Service.

Traditional wisdom and its associated knowledge about forests and other ecosystems are keys to the development of sustainable natural resource policies and practices.  This conference, the 2nd in a series of regional meetings of the IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge, was held to foster dialogue on traditional indigenous knowledge and how this is being incorporated into models and practices for sustainable development. Presentations and discussions were structured around the Menominee model of sustainable development that conceptualizes sustainable development as the process of maintaining balance and reconciling inherent tensions between the various dimensions of sustainability, i.e., land & sovereignty; economics; technology & science; institutions; human perception, activity & behavior; and natural environment. It explored how this and other successful models of sustainability allow for the preservation of indigenous lands, sovereignty and culture while providing for integrated economic development, institutional capacity building and technological advancement. Topics and issues closely related to the central aims of the IUFRO Task Force included:  

  • The history of the relationship of formal forest science and traditional wisdom and knowledge in forest management;
  • Application of traditional knowledge in forest ecosystem assessments and management;
  • Indigenous community priorities for forest research and collaborative forest management in support of community development goals;
  • Evaluations of case studies on joint initiatives and utilization of traditional and formal scientific knowledge in forest management activities;
  • Development of good practices for including both traditional knowledge and formal science in forestry education, research and forest management activities.

The meeting attracted over 100 participants from 12 countries, including indigenous people from Latin America, the Asia and Pacific region, Africa, Indian Tribes in the U.S., and First Nations in Canada. It also included numerous forest scientists, educators, students, forest managers and planners. The conference provided a forum for indigenous peoples’ voices on traditional wisdom, knowledge and values, problem-solving and research in support of sustainable indigenous communities. Among the recurring themes throughout the conference was a shared understanding of the critical importance of respect for the wisdom of elders and the the link they represent between past and present generations, and a general, although certainly not universal, appreciation that collaboration between indigenous peoples and mainstream society is critical for future generations and preservation of the environment.

The meeting organizers are grateful for the support provided by the Ford Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service and the warm hospitality extended to all conference participants by the Menominee and Oneida people. 

The proceedings of the conference will be published by the Sustainable Development Institute of the College of Menominee Nation in collaboration with the IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge and the U.S. Forest Service. For more information on the conference, please visit  the conference website – http://www.sharingindigenouswisdom.org/.

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ABOUT THE USE OF FOREST TREES - EXTRAORDINARY RENEWABLE RAW MATERIALS

Baden, Lower Austria, Austria; 14-17 September 2006

Symposium organized by: IUFRO Research Group 6.07.00 - Forest and Woodland History & IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge

There is growing awareness from the part of international forest science and policy as regards the significance and relevance of local and indigenous knowledge about forests and traditional possibilities of utilisation, as well as the need to take account of this knowledge in the development of political strategies which aim at sustainable forest management. The protection, documentation, and utilisation of forest-related, tradition-based knowledge is in the focus of numerous political discussions held within national, regional and international organisations and forums.

The development of a society practicing sustainable management is one of the great challenges with which industrial nations are faced at the beginning of the 21st century. One of the hopes of the "sustainable economy".

Conference Report

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CULTURAL HERITAGE AND SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT: THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Italian Academy of Forestry Science, Firenze, Italy; 8-10 June 2006

Organized by: IUFRO Research Group 6.07.00 - Forest History, IUFRO Task Force on Traditional Forest Knowledge

Traditional forest knowledge and innovative forest management practices developed by rural communities over the centuries have contributed significantly to the world's natural and cultural heritage, not only by creating and maintaining landscapes of outstanding beauty, but also by helping to sustain production of multiple goods and services that enhance livelihood security and quality of life. The theme of the conference reflected the significant overlap of interests between the holders and users of traditional forest knowledge and a number of policy and planning issues and initiatives within the European Union, the broader European region, and the global forest policy community. These relate

  • increasing recognition of the importance of traditional forest management practices in maintaining cultural landscapes;
  • development and refinement of social/cultural criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management;
  • the increased recognition of the contributions of traditional forest knowledge to sustainable forest management reflected in recent deliberations of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD); and,
  • ongoing activities of numerous intergovernmental organizations, regional bodies, individual governments, communities, research organizations and NGOs worldwide focused on the protection and development of traditional ecological knowledge and its application to sustainable natural resource management.

The meeting attracted 120 participants from 24 countries, including forest scientists, forest managers and planners, forest policy experts, and representatives from a variety of international organizations and forest policy bodies, including representatives from the UNFF, FAO, UNCCD, UNESCO, the Council of Europe’s European Landscape Convention, and the MCPFE Liaison Unit.

During the technical sessions a total of 66 papers and 15 posters were presented and discussed, covering a range of topics relevant to the conference theme and the global priority topics of the IUFRO Task Force, with an emphasis on forest history and the relationship between traditional knowledge and formal forest science in the creation and maintenance of cultural forest landscapes.

The conference represented  a further step in the implementation of the Vienna declaration n.3 of the MCPFE concerning "Preserving and enhancing the cultural dimension of sustainable forest management in Europe".

Conference Report


Send comments to John Parrotta (Task Force Coordinator)