EFI-BOKU step up cooperation to enhance forest policy research in Europe
EFI and BOKU have signed an agreement to create a new Forest Policy Research Network.
The network has emerged from former activities with EFI’s Regional Office EFICEEC-EFISEE, and will be coordinated by the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna.
The new instrument will create a pan-European research network of EFI member organizations and other relevant institutions to jointly implement scientific cooperation on forest policy and governance.
The network will produce new research and activities to create a better understanding of the post-2020 European policy framework in terms of forest-related questions. It will also build bridges between western and eastern Europe with capacity building activities, and contribute to a fluent dialogue with Forest Europe.
EFI Director Marc Palahí said: “I am very grateful for the commitment by BOKU to lead the first EFI Research Network. EFI Research Networks empower EFI members to implement new transnational research cooperation around a EFI strategic topic. They are crucial to enhance cooperation between EFI and our member organizations by cross-fertilising our work programme. I hope other EFI members will follow BOKU’s example, as we need pro-active and committed members to realise our joint ambitions.”
BOKU Rector, Hubert Hasenauer also reflected: ”We believe in European research cooperation, and BOKU has a long history of commitment with EFI. With the new Research Network, we want to further develop strong synergies with EFI, in order to jointly implement the new EFI strategy.”
Bernhard Wolfslehner, who will lead the new Policy Research Network, said: “It is a great opportunity to help shape the future of EFI forest policy research, building on our expertise and networks in the research area, and the long-lasting regional partnerships in Central-East and South-East Europe.”
More information
Marc Palahí, EFI Director (firstname.lastname @efi.int)
Bernhard Wolfslehner, Leader of the Forest Policy Research Network (firstname.lastname @efi.int)
