Future leaders focus on forest-based bioeconomy

A hugely successful EFI Young Leadership Programme – Mediterranean Edition created a buzz of ideas and innovation, when future leaders coincided with experts from various fields. The focus for the programme, which took place at EFI's Barcelona offices in Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site from 26 November to 1 December, was on a sustainable Mediterranean forest-based bioeconomy.

The programme opened with an inspirational public event held in the Sant Pau Administration building, “The role of leadership in times of transformational change: the role of bioeconomy”.

Then, a varied programme brought experts from across the region to share knowledge, experience, advice and inspiration. Programme themes included: Mediterranean forest-based bioeconomy; approaches to bioeconomy development; innovation and entrepreneurship in Mediterranean forestry; and a policy agenda for sustainable forest and resource management. Additionally, skills sessions on collaborative leadership, communication, strategic thinking and career development took place alongside workshop-style training on scenario-building.  

16 participants from nine countries across the Mediterranean attended the week-long programme, presenting scenarios at the end of the week in original and innovative formats.