Farewell 2018

The theme of the 2019 International Day of Forests is - 'Forests and Education'. In observation of this, there are various events being held to increase awareness of the importance of forest education and to celebrate the work of educators worldwide. One of these is the 'Global Competition on Best Practices in Forest Education' by our very own Joint IUFRO-IFSA Task Force! This competition will shine a spotlight on outstanding forestry teaching methods around the world. In addition, the Food and Agriculture Organization is hosting a Teachers’ Contest, where educators can submit videos showing how they are teaching younger generations about the importance of forests. Make sure to spread the word and get ready for a great IDF this year! More information can be found HERE.

These are the key words which characterized this productive and essential face-to-face meeting by the Capacity Development Commission 2018-2019 (CDC). Over a three day workshop in Germany, the commission bonded through various team-building activities such as identifying main motivations for working in IFSA, doing dishes, identifying their personal strengths and weaknesses, and pushing the limits of their taste buds with delicious spicy foods. At the end of those intensive days, the commissioners had identified the CDCs main goals and projects for this coming year, to meet the needs of IFSA students in regards to education, celebrations of cultural diversity, and professional growth.

Why was this meeting such a success? Not only was the team able to meet face-to-face to learn from and understand each other, but they were able to develop a tangible work plan with the Board that aligns with the IFSA goals. Just as importantly, they shared in an enrichment of the IFSA spirit.

So what projects should you be looking forward to? Here are just a few: The sharing of monthly forest education information via the IFSA newsletter; mentorship opportunities at events; an updated Global Forest Information Systems education section for use of students (GFIS); a guidebook for IFSS organizing committees; workshops on cultural competencies; an online resource guide and toolkit on forest education; and youth events at the IUFRO World Congress in Brazil. It’s going to be an incredible year!

Want to know more? Interested in joining the team? Contact US!

One of the most important event of the year, the annual International Forestry students' Symposium (IFSS) is going to be in Estonia! Register today, because you will get the chance to meet your peers around the world, grow professionally and  develop valuable personal and soft skills!  More information can be found HERE.
IFSS 2019 dates: 28th July - 11th August 2019

Quick announcement from Asia-Pacific Region!
Asia-Pacific Region will have its 2019 Regional Meeting in South Korea this June from 24th until the 30th. Besides that, APRM will be expecting at least 70 participants from all over the Asia Pacific Region and this will be a greatest opportunity for cultural and academic exchange of forestry students from Asian and Oceania member countries! More information can be found HERE

IFSA welcomed their new LC last month! Congratulation and welcome - IFSA Thessaloniki! IFSA Thessaloniki is from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece, Thessaloniki!

Winter Meeting is celebrating 10th anniversary this year and the event will be hosted by organising committee from Slovenia! Spanning for a week, this event is expecting to fill with lot of interesting activities on the schedule, such as visitation to local natural attraction and hiking.
Meeting dates: 10th - 16th March 2019
More info can be found HERE