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.'
Kamalesh Sharma
Commonwealth Secretary-General
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 now to secure your 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
Committees
Forestry Commission
Responsible for organising and hosting the 18th Commonwealth Forestry Conference on behalf of the UK.
Organising Committee
Responsible for assisting with the organisation, operation, and administration of all host country arrangements for the Conference. The committee has a mainly domestic composition.
Advisory Committee
Responsible for offering advice and expert knowledge to the organisers of the 18th Commonwealth Forestry Conference in terms of programme, speakers, theme and, as necessary, other aspects of the Conference. Representation from across the Commonwealth, government and civil society.
Standing Committee on Commonwealth Forestry
Provides continuity between Conferences, including close liaison with the host country in terms of planning. Determines the Conference theme and format in consultation with the host country and issues appropriate guidance.
Commonwealth Forestry Association
The Commonwealth Forestry Association (CFA) is the world's longest established international forestry association, tracing its history back to 1921. The CFA is represented on the both the Organising and the Advisory Committee and is closely involved with the conference planning.