Skip to main content

European Forest Week 2019 to highlight the role of forests in the circular economy

The global problem of plastic waste and the need to cut CO2 emissions call for alternative materials and products that are renewable, biodegradable, easily recyclable and that store rather than release carbon.


Forests can help to respond to these challenges. The key role of the forest sector in a circular economy lies in the fact that it provides biodegradable raw materials – a strategic resource that can be used for creation of several advanced, reusable and recyclable bio-materials. These materials can feed into various value chains and prompt transformation in a number of strategic sectors of the economy such as construction and manufacturing (e.g. automotive, home and IT appliances, textiles, packaging etc.). The most illustrative examples of the emerging forest-based value chains include wood-based construction, textiles production, and bioplastics.


Under the theme, Forests and the Circular Economy, the European Forest Week 2019 will take place from 4 to 8 November 2019.


First celebrated in 2008, the European Forest Week provides a unique opportunity to increase the forest sector’s visibility and to influence pan-European and global discussions related to forests. The week is jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). This year, the European Forest Week will be celebrated in conjunction with Forêt2019, the Joint Session of the UNECE Committee of Forests and the Forest Industry (COFFI), and the FAO European Forestry Commission (EFC). This will provide a forum for forest policy professionals to discuss the role of forests and forest products in the circular economy. Forêt2019 will take place from 4 to 7 November 2019 in Geneva.


How can you participate?

Organize an event in your city! National and local activities held simultaneously in participating countries will raise awareness on forests’ role in the circular economy, through contests, exhibitions, talks and videos. Events in the past have included a wilderness retreat in Austria, lectures in Spain, a forestry film festival in Czech Republic, a workshop on flood prevention in Ukraine, and many more.


Detailed information about events taking place throughout Europe will be updated regularly on the European Forest Week’s website: http://www.fao.org/about/meetings/european-forest-week/en/


Tell us about your event under the logo of the European Forest Week and it will be placed on our website.
Links:
European Forest Week 2019: http://www.fao.org/about/meetings/european-forest-week/en/
Forêt2019: http://www.unece.org/forests/foret2019

If you wish to subscribe to the UNECE Weekly newsletter, please send an email to:  [email protected]