


Why are forests key for the sustainable development of Europe’s environment, economies, and society? How can a future European green infrastructure be envisioned and implemented? Why are forests and the forest sector critical in the fight against climate change? And, in the face of challenges such as forest fires, storms and biological invasions: How can the resilience of forests be improved and their adaption to changes eased? These crucial questions were discussed in the inauguration event.

Keynote speakers were Christian Schmidt, Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture. Other speakers included Marc Palahí, Director of the European Forest Institute, Heinrich Bottermann, State Secretary of the Ministry for Environment, Agriculture, Conservation and Consumer Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Reinhard Limbach, Mayor of City of Bonn. The keynotes were followed by debates and workshops dealing with the importance of Europe’s forests for society, and the biggest current and future challenges and opportunities to develop resilient forests.

At its future location at the Platz der Vereinten Nationen in Bonn, the new EFI Bonn office will complement the “family” of sustainability and environment related international organizations and research institutes in Bonn. Together with its network of research institutions across Europe, EFI Bonn’s research generates knowledge for decision makers to tackle environmental challenges. Furthermore, the institute will engage proactively at the science-policy-society interface, with a focus on European policies.

The European Forest Institute is an independent, international organization, established by European States. EFI conducts research and provides policy support on a wide spectrum of forest-related issues. EFI’s Headquarters is in Joensuu, Finland.
With its 28 Member Countries, and c. 115 member organizations, regional facilities in Barcelona and Bordeaux and project centres in Malaysia and China, EFI offers unique forest research network and possibilities for collaboration.


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