During European Forest Week 2019, a 2-day event ‘Discover Beech Symposium‘, was held at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, in Germany, which was organised by one of the BEECH POWER IVY Volunteers. This activity brought together experts from the European Beech Forest Network, with students from a Local Committee of the International Forestry Students‘ Association, and other key interested parties from the local community.
The first day consisted of a symposium, with many engaging presentations, workshops and discussions between the participants. Key themes included European Cohesion Policy, the current situation of European Beech with regards to climate change and buffer zone management, sustainable forestry, and the serial transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site ‚Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and other Regions of Europe‘. The whole cohort was given an introduction to the BEECH POWER project, and the positive benefits it will bring to forests and local communities. Students and forest experts alike exchanged knowledge and experience, highlighting the true value of forests and the role they play in society.
Following an intense day of discussions, the participants then visited the World Heritage Component Part Grumsin Forest, where they were guided by the Director of the Biosphere Reserve Schorfheide-Chorin, Dr. Martin Flade. The bright autumn day and ancient beech forest was an ideal backdrop against which to further discuss and experience buffer zones and the effects of climate change on our forests.
Over the course of the two days, many interesting questions were discussed relating to beech forest ecosystems, and new networks and ideas were formed to further enhance the quality and effectiveness of beech forest conservation. The event was funded through the Citizens Engagement Activity Fund, under the framework of Interreg Volunteer Youth initaitive.
Read about the other Citizens Engagement Activity promoting BEECH POWER here.
