Network meeting in Zvolen looked at Closer to Nature (CTN)
On 12 – 14 November 2024, the FOREXT network met to discuss its strategic direction, objectives, and future activities for 2025 in the frame of the upcoming Horizon Europe project FORADVISE, starting in January 2025.
Key advisory themes were also addressed during the event. Host members from the National Forest Centre (NFC), presented its work on Forest Pedagogy as a tool for environmental education and the positive promotion of forestry. Followed by a discussion on how the implication of the forest pedagogy tools for FOREXT’s work program.
A major focus of the meeting was Closer to Nature (CTN) forestry. NFC members shared Slovakia’s approach to CTN, while the Forestry Commission presented its methods and tools for assessing Woodland Ecological Condition. These presentations were followed by a World Café session where participants explored key issues such as CTN forestry vision, socioeconomic and political aspects, and the challenges and opportunities for implementation.
The meeting included visits to the NFC’s Centre of Excellence Ligno Silva, the Forest Protection Service, and the Secondary School of Forestry in Banská Štiavnica. These visits allowed members to learn from Slovakia’s approach to forest advisory work and discuss opportunities for collaboration.
Our warm thanks to Inazio Martinez de Arano and Andrea Arancibia Alfaro for organising the meeting, and to NFC for hosting.
