The world today is undergoing rapid socio-economic and technological changes, which have implications for the forest and environment sector, in turn affecting the ecological, economic and social well being of the people. The forestry sector must keep pace and adapt to these changes. The “Commonwealth” refers to the Commonwealth of Nations, an association of 53 sovereign nations that works together to achieve international goals such as Peace, Democracy and Consensus-building, Law, Human Rights and Development, Environmentally Sustainable Economic Development with greater trust and mutual understanding. Environment and forests are global resources and need to be focused upon by the global fraternity due to the pressures they are under as a result of the alarming growth in the human population, pressures that are being exacerbated by climate and environmental change. The year 2017 will be a key occasion for forestry professionals, academicians and all those interested in and associated with forestry sector in the Commonwealth; they will gather and share their experiences with a view to learn and develop a vision for the future that will involve inclusive and sustainable growth and development. The commonwealth forestry conferences have been held since 1920, when the first (Empire) Forestry Conference was held in London. Since then, the conferences have been held regularly to discuss various aspects of management of forests and focus the action on the changing priorities of the forestry sector.
The 19th Commonwealth Forestry Conference is scheduled to be held at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, India from 3rd to 7th April, 2017. The ICFRE and FRI will be the Focal point of the conference, with support from MOEF & CC, Government of India and Commonwealth Forestry Association. The major theme of the conference will be:
“Forests for Prosperity and Posterity”
The CFC-2017 conference aims to:
- Serve as a key forum for all those concerned with the forestry sector to share their experience and expertise and pave the way for effective translation of forestry research into actions for its sustainability.
- Provide a platform to encourage and strengthen forestry research and development for the benefit of the people and industry that depend on forests and related sectors for their economic and social well being.
- Identify and address critical issues in the management of forests for the sustenance of rural, tribal and indigenous communities.
- To provide a stage for all stakeholders to collaborate over the better management of forests and ensure food, water and energy security, thereby contributing to the global Sustainable Development Goals.