Welcome
Forests and forest lands play a pivotal life-supporting role in the lives of Commonwealth citizens across the globe. They provide us all with many benefits including our livelihoods, vital ecosystem services, raw materials, fuel and goods for trading. Yet these benefits are being seriously eroded by the mounting momentum of deforestation.
If we are to restore the Commonwealth's forests and preserve and expand their role in development and tackling climate change, we need to share hard-won practical knowledge, and open up opportunities for the full and enthusiastic involvement of local populations in our endeavour.
The 18th Commonwealth Forestry Conference provides a unique chance to address these challenges and ways to fulfil the Commonwealth's commitment to contribute to global efforts on climate change.'
Mr. Kamalesh Sharma
Commonwealth Secretary-General
Watch our short film to see how the Commonwealth can play a
fundamental role in restoring the world's forests |
I am happy to announce that the UK is hosting the 18th Commonwealth Forestry Conference, in 2010, on the theme of Restoring the Commonwealth's Forests: Tackling Climate Change.
Forestry plays a fundamental part in the lives and economies of the Commonwealth’s citizens and countries, and there are significant forest resources and forestry expertise throughout the Commonwealth. We are very keen to focus the event on exploring how countries can use forest restoration to help the Commonwealth's citizens adapt to and mitigate against a changing climate.
High profile speakers from the forest industry and civil society will address a truly international audience on issues such as identifying and supporting the ‘next generation’ of industry professionals who will lead the Commonwealth’s response to climate change. The Conference will also present a major international initiative that will help raise the public and policy profile of forest restoration.
Register your interest now to secure a place at this important international event and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you in Edinburgh!
Tim Rollinson
Chairman of the Standing Committee on Commonwealth Forestry and Director General of the (UK) Forestry Commission