22-24 May 2012. Alpbach, Tyrol, Austria.

This conference is an important part of the new strategy of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) and aims to build a systematic body of knowledge about the various facets of "forests for people", including possible future trends and challenges. 
It aims at integrating not only the knowledge across all IUFRO Divisions, but include the knowledge outside IUFRO.

Main themes:

• Livelihoods – issues of agro-forestry, food security, fuels, poverty alleviation, and human dislocation;
• Health, Recreation and Tourism – issues of human health, recreation and nature-based tourism;
• Urban and Rural Landscapes – issues of ecosystem services, economic benefit and development, spaces and places for living;
• Culture and Education – issues of perceptions of forests, spiritual character, education, historical tradition and practice, communication and governance.

The conference is addressed to forest managers, scientists, science administrators, policy makers and the interested public audience.

The IUFRO conference is organized by the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna, Department of Landscape, Spatial and Infrastructure Sciences, Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning

More information about the Conference "Forests for People"

24 May 2012. Europe-wide.

In 2012, the events during the European Day of Parks will address the issue of the growing distance between people and nature. All around Europe, protected areas, NGO’s and public agencies managing our green gems will organise events on and around 24^th May under the title:

 See the sky. Touch a tree. Feel the air. Find yourself!

What is the European Day of Parks?
The European Day of Parks was launched by the EUROPARC Federation with the aim of raising the profile of Europe's protected areas and generating public support for their aims and work. It was first held in 1999 and a broad variety of events in and about protected areas highlighting the need to protect these have been organised. In 2011 over 500 events were registered by 185 protected areas in 17 countries

For protected areas, NGO's, PA managers:

• What do you need to do to take part?
  Organise an event in your region or protected area for the local population, stakeholders, politicians and press using the title above. The event can be anything from a guided tour, to a volunteering activity. The aim this year is to (re)connect these people with nature and to show them how fun and awe-inspiring nature can be. Then register your events with us so that we can showcase them. Every registered event will receive a European Day of Parks pack to help them advertise the event including digital posters, branding, pens and more to use.
• Already organising an event for a big nature event in your park ‘the day of biodiversity’, ‘invite nature’, ‘fete du parc’ etc? Why not use the title above and join the Day of Parks movement?!
• Why become part of the movement? The more events organised, the stronger the message! This is a wonderful way to promote your protected area and the great work you do on a regional level but with an international twist. What could be more effective than hundreds of protected areas around Europe celebrating the wonders of our natural heritage at the same time?

If you need any more information please visit the European Day of Parks webpage or contact Morwenna Parkyn, communications officer EUROPARC Federation with any questions you might have.