The first European Conference on the Forest Based Sector is due to be held at the Convention Centre, Nancy, France on February 2-3.
The Greater Nancy Urban Community (GNUC), the organiser, says it wants to pioneer a joint approach between the social and economic functions of forests and the environmental objectives of conservation and respect for biodiversity and the ecosystems that forests host.
André Rossinot, chairman of the GNUC, said: “We propose that this joint approach should start immediately.”
He said the GNUC has invested in structuring its forest skills in a pool combining higher education, training and research and added: “By doing so, it aims to contribute to the production of essential skills and knowledge for the development of a European forest economy.”
Mr Rossinot is encouraging all European participants to take part in the debate ahead of the next European Union Forestry Acion Plan, scheduled for adoption in June this year.
For information visit www.pepss.com/gti.
