In the last week of June, the Finnish Forest Association and the Swedish Forest Agency gathered 35 influential European Union decision-makers in Sweden as part of the Forest Academy. Intense discussions were held on climate change and biodiversity. Participants included representatives from various EU member states, the European Parliament and EU Directorates-General, people from the research sphere and NGOs, forestry professionals and representatives of stakeholders interested in the bioeconomy.

Elina Antila, Director of the Finnish Forest Academy from the Finnish Forest Association, says that the purpose of the event was to provide information on forest issues, highlight different views and strengthen dialogue. Participants stayed at Johannesberg Castle, north of Stockholm, and tours were organised during the event.

"The excursions allowed us to demonstrate and explain how forestry operates in the Nordic countries and how it is affected by EU-level strategies and decision-making processes," says E. Antila. (...)

(...) One of the methods that sparked discussion among the participants was controlled burning, in other words, the intentional burning of areas for nature conservation purposes. "Controlled burning in the boreal forests was very unexpected for the participants from Central Europe. They found it hard to understand that anyone would resort to burning forests, because in their countries, widespread forest fires often break out due to drought," explains E. Antila. During controlled burning, most of the logging residues are burnt, as well as part of the humus layer. Controlled burning releases nutrients into the soil and creates a favourable environment for various species, some of which can be rare or endangered. (...)