Engelberg, Switzerland, 2–6 November 2015
The third European Forest Week will be held in conjunction with Silva2015, the Joint Session of the UNECE Committee on Forests and the Forest Industry (COFFI); and the FAO European Forestry Commission (EFC). It will be hosted by the Government of Switzerland in the alpine village of Engelberg from 2–6 November 2015.
This event will bring together stakeholders from forest and non-forest sectors; government representatives and delegations; forest owners; businesses; environmental NGOs; academics and students from Europe, the Russian Federation, Central Asia, the Caucasus and North America.
Objectives
To raise awareness of the economic, social and environmental values of sustainably managed forests.
To raise awareness that sustainable forest management is key to maintaining healthy, multifunctional and biodiverse forests that provide a range of products and ecosystem services essential to human well-being.
To promote forests’ essential roles in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
To increase the visibility of the forest-based sector and its current and potential contributions to a green economy.
To encourage other sectors to engage in dialogues on sustainable forest management as part of broader land management.
About European Forest Week
Launched in 2008 by a group of 15 partners, European Forest Week provides a unique opportunity for participants to increase the visibility of the forest sector and make an impact on pan-European and global discussions related to forests. Interested stakeholders can contribute by holding a side event, a parallel meeting and/or participate in a poster exhibition during Silva2015, as well as by organizing national and local celebrations.
Key messages
Sustainable forest management is the key to healthy forests and healthy societies.
Forests are a source of life and help maintain biodiversity
Forests provide us with fresh air and clean water
Forests help mitigate climate change
Forests provide construction material and energy
Forests feed us
Forests give us livelihoods
Forests offer a space for recreation and relaxation