Our consortium member UNIFI is actively participating in high-profile forestry events to present the SMURF project, foster networking, and explore new opportunities for cluster activities. These engagements are strategic actions in positioning SMURF within the global forestry community and enhancing collaboration on sustainable forest management.
Forest Innovation Workshop – Brussels (Feb, 25).
This workshop was an opportunity to promote collaboration among stakeholders in the sector and regions, to establish a supportive framework for innovation in forestry and to advocate for increased coordination between the numerous measures adopted at European, national and regional level. Attendees have engaged in discussions around innovative solutions for sustainable forest management, focusing on key topics such as forest restoration, non-wood forest products, and agroforestry innovations.
Baku, Belem and Beyond: Forests
At the Trade and Investment House, UNIFI participated in the Baku, Belem and Beyond: Forests conference, organised by the Australian Forest Products Association and moderated by Thorsten Arndt, Head of Advocacy at PEFC International. This session highlighted:
- The increasing role of forests in climate change mitigation post-COP26.
- The potential of forests in enhancing biodiversity, creating high-value jobs, and decarbonising the built environment.
- Challenges and opportunities in global collaboration for deforestation reduction and climate targets.
During the event, UNIFI engaged with key stakeholders, including:
- Australian Forest Products Association
- American Forest Foundation
- Alianza Mesoamericana de Pueblos y Bosques
- UN-REDD Programme, United Nations.
These discussions provided valuable insights into forest owner associations, carbon markets, and REDD+ initiatives, strengthening SMURF’s outreach and potential collaborations.
Congress of SISEF – Italian Society of Silviculture and Forest Ecology (September 9th-12th, 2024)
UNIFI contributed to the SISEF Congress, presenting the topic: “SMURF – Closer to Nature Silviculture among Small-Scale Forest Proprietors”. This presentation underscored the importance of sustainable silvicultural practices and their role in fostering resilient forestry models.
National Annual Meeting of ProSilva Italia (September 26th-28th, 2024, Alta Valle di Susa, TO)
Participation in the ProSilva Italia Annual Meeting further reinforced SMURF’s commitment to sustainable forest management. This gathering allowed us to exchange knowledge with leading forestry professionals and discuss best practices in closer-to-nature silviculture.
Expanding SMURF’s Impact
- Strengthened European networks in forestry and climate policy.
- Showcased SMURF’s approach to sustainable forest management.
- Explored new avenues for collaboration, particularly in carbon markets and biodiversity conservation.
By actively participating in these events, UNIFI continues to position SMURF at the forefront of forestry innovation, driving impactful change towards sustainable and resilient forest landscapes.
