Titled “Forests: Services and Rural Development”, it was held in Vitoria, Spain on 10-14^th June 2013.

The discussions during the week presented the progress and future of the forest sector through more than 600 scientific and technical papers, talks, round tables and panel discussions that analyzed the improvement of forest management and policy, and reflect on the future of the sector.

The opening speeches dealt with the global and European approaches to forest policy and rural development.  They were delivered by Eduardo Rojas Briales (Head of Forestry Department, FAO) and María Gafo Gómez-Zamalloa (from DG Agriculture, European Commission).  Presentations, talks and discussions followed on new technologies and new emerging issues, such as biomass for energy, wood for bio-construction, the increasing leisure and social uses of forests, and the relationship with the rural community, its development and the rates of employment in the sector.

Some of the key aspects tackled during the week were the forest ecosystem services.  These included the quality of air and water to the health and wellbeing of humanity, climate regulation, CO2 storage, landscape and ecosystem development, conservation of biodiversity.

The delegates discussed how to improve public awareness and recognition of the forest ecosystem services and their economic valuation, and also their inseparable role with the rural development and society. 

More info: http://www.congresoforestal.es/