14.04. 2011 - The Annual Meeting 2011 of the UNECE-FAO Forest Communicators Network (FCN) ended in field trips. As it was covered earlier the Annual Meeting 2011 of the UNECE-FAO Forest Communicators Network was held in Hotel Normafa, Budapest and chaired by Mr. Ingwald Gschwandtl, Head of FCN.

The Meeting was part of the official forestry programmes of the European Union.  The meeting was hosted by the Hungarian Forestry Association (HFA) and organized by the Pilisi Parkforest Joint CJSC (closed joint stock company).

Welcome addresses were delivered by Péter Csépányi, Vice-president of HFA, László Vajai, Head of the Department of Forestry, Fishery and Wildlife, Ministry of Rural Development, Eve Charles, Representative of UNECE/FAO and Ingwald Gschwandtl, Head of FCN.

36 experts from 16 countries, the EU Commission and UNECE-FAO Forestry and Timber Section participated on the meeting. Related to the first item on the agenda brief analytical presentations were conducted for the participants on achievements and lessons learned with regard to the 2011 International Year of Forests.

The concept and approaches regarding green economy were on the agenda as well. There is key role to play for the forest sector in the transition towards a greener economy and a more sustainable society that threw light upon the opportunity and challenge for forest communication.

The presentations on best practices by countries and organizations were seen not only as relevant in national context but also as potential contributions to the overall communication efforts.

The draft Strategic Framework for Forest Communication in Europe was presented on the meeting.
The main components of the concept have been dealt with in the last years of FCN meetings and developed to be finalized by the FCN Strategic Task Force.

Communication management and activities related to the Forest Europe Ministerial Conference that will be held in Oslo in June, 2011 were discussed.

The FCN has developed a European Forest Pedagogic Concept based on best practices examples, common principles and quality standards for forest related environmental education. Presentation of the Report of the FCN Sub-Group on Forest Pedagogic was delivered by Thomas Baschny, Head of the Sub-Group.

On the first day the participants enjoyed a renaissance dinner show in Visegrád.
On the second day participant visited the ‘Eagle Mountain’ (Sashegy) environmental protection area and were impressed by the professional guidance and the sights.
On the third day within the frame of the “Forest and human relations” the participating experts from all over Europe became acquainted with sustainable forest management (aiming social welfare and environmental protection).

This type of forest management performed by Pilisi Parkforest CJSC was presented by Gergely Lomniczi, spokesman of the CJSC. Conflicting interests between sustainable forest management and the requirements and opportunities of continuous forest cover, the lack of financial resources and the promotion of media connection were mentioned.

Participants visited the Forest Information Centre, and the Károly Wágner Library.  The Maria Theresa forest management book and the 1936 Forest and Environmental Law and the forestry pulp novels from the end of the 19th century that were to be published to introduce and popularize the work of foresters in the framework of literary work were in the centre of the participants’ interest.

The meeting was closed in the Budakeszi Zoo. Z.Z.- A. O.