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The 2017 SFI conference brings Forests. A Way of Life.
Sept. 25, 2017 - The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) is hosting its 2017 Annual Conference September 27-29 in Ottawa. Every year the SFI Annual Conference is the must attend event for those who want to engage in discussions with thought leaders and influencers from the forest sector, conservation and community partners, tribal and Indigenous leaders as well as some of the most engaged forest product customers in North America.
This year’s conference theme – Forests. A Way of Life. – will highlight how we all depend on forests whether we are harvesting professionals, landowners, producers, customers, Indigenous peoples, or individuals using forests for recreation. It will also feature discussions about how SFI’s newest program, Project Learning Tree, and key partners are helping us connect kids to nature and inspire youth to care for future forests and our broader environment.
The conference has some engaging ideas and thought-provoking themes, presented by a great lineup of speakers (see our conference program for more details).
Renowned thought leaders addressing the conference include:
· The Honourable Jim Carr, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources
· Inger Andersen, Director General, International Union for Conservation of Nature
· Glenn Mason, President and Assistant Deputy Minister, Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada
· Mark Rodgers, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Canada, SFI Board Chairman
This year also marks Canada’s 150th birthday. To celebrate this, and Canada's National Forest week, SFI and the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) are holding a joint session of their 2017 annual conferences. SFI and CIF share a common goal of working together to make sure Canada’s forests are healthy for the next 150 years — and beyond. The session will feature in-depth perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the forest sector.
Session highlights:
· Driving Innovation in Canadian Forestry: Addressing challenges and harnessing opportunities in Canadian forests include managing climate change while maximizing opportunities in the bio‑economy and providing habitat for wildlife.
· Driving Sustainability in Global Fibre Supply: The IUCN Director General will offer her perspectives on the most pressing issues affecting forests globally, and the role of responsibly managed forests toward ensuring critical conservation outcomes.
· Managing Forested Landscapes for Species at Risk: SFI Program Participants across Canada and the U.S. are leading proactive solutions for at-risk forest species. Hear how these organizations are developing partnerships to enhance conservation.
· Conservation of Managed Forest Landscapes: Leaders in forest conservation and research will share current developments in conservation science and offer perspectives on the critical role of working forests in attaining conservation outcomes.
· Progressive Aboriginal Relations — From Forest Management to Housing: Indigenous and forest-related business leaders will discuss the business case for advancing Indigenous Partnerships.
For a full list of activities, please visit the conference website.
About the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc.
SFI Inc. is a sustainability leader that stands for future forests. We are an independent, non-profit organization that provides supply chain assurances, produces conservation outcomes, and supports education and community engagement. SFI works with the forest sector, brand owners, conservation groups, resource professionals, landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous peoples, governments, and universities. SFI standards and on-product labels help consumers make responsible purchasing decisions. Additionally, we oversee the SFI Forest Partners Program, which aims to increase supply of certified forest products, the SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program, which funds research and community building, and Project Learning Tree, which educates teachers and youth about forests and the environment. SFI Inc. is governed by an independent three-chamber board of directors representing environmental, social, and economic sectors equally. SFI believes caring for forests improves everyone’s quality of life. Learn more: sfiprogram.org.
September 25, 2017 By Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc.
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