24-05-2013 - European Forest Institute (EFI) celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2013.  This commemoration of its major achievements is also an opportunity to analyse of the future of our forests - and how EFI and its partners can contribute to meet the challenges related to the various changes, risks and uncertainties to which our forests will be exposed.

EFI 20 Years Science and Policy Forum will take place 23-27 September 2013 in Nancy, France. The Forum will stimulate balanced discussion between policy/decision makers, stakeholders and scientists on concrete issues related to the future of our forests, and the risks and opportunities they face. On 25 September, a high-level conference:
“Our forests in the 21st century – ready for risks and opportunities?” gathers both scientists and decision-makers.

Keynote Speakers Include:
•        Prof. Dr. Eduardo Rojas-Briales, Assistant Director, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Forestry Department.
•        Dr. Janez Potočnik, European Commission, Commissioner for Environment
•        Mr. Kriton Arsenis, Member of the European Parliament
•        Mr. Jan Heino,Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Legally Binding Agreement on Forests in Europe, FOREST EUROPE

Morning of 26 September continues with a session: “Risks to European Forests – What added value can a European Forest Risk Facility provide?” followed by afternoon FLEGT-REDD session “Shaping forest policy: Global initiatives and the European arena” and an annual meeting of EFI’s Central European Regional Office and the Observatory for European Forests – EFICENT-OEF.

Follow up the programme updates, register and find out more information at  www.efi20.efi.int