Human life on Earth can only be sustained with the survival and proper functioning of natural systems, especially forests. However, large-scale deforestation and forest degradation takes place in many countries in the world. In other parts of the World, the unstoppable process of urbanization increasingly leads to the physical and mental separation of people from nature. More and more this is resulting in total refusal of active measures in forests aiming at wood production. In political decision-making and economic processes, you barely find representatives of forest related sciences. While we are exceeding the limits of our planet’s carrying capacity, awareness of that wicked problem is limited and nature-based solutions are underrepresented in the political discussions on problem solving. What can professionals of higher forestry education and further education do against the unfavourable processes described here? How can the gap be bridged between the knowledge background and perceptions of forest scientists, political decision makers and lay men? And how can this be used to adapt the contents of teaching and further education in forest and nature related disciplines?

These questions will be addressed in the SILVA Network Annual Conference, held at the University of Sopron on April, 11 – 13^th 2023. The program includes inspiring presentations and a full-day excursion into the educational forests of Sopron University and the nearby national park.

It pays to be quick: An early bird rate applies until February 21^st. Please also keep an eye at the deadline for abstract submission if you are interested to present.

Please go to the SILVA Network website to register.