05 March 2019

COME TO BRUSSELS-BELGIUM FOR THE FOREST CITY PROJECT, 21 MARCH 2019.

The Role of Forests in Advancing EU Climate Action.
by Revolve.
Climate change is the defining issue of our time and demands global solutions.

As recognized by the Paris Agreement, sustainably managed forests play a central role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Trees offer manifold environmental benefits: from the sequestering and storing of carbon, to stabilizing soil to protect from natural hazards, forests safeguard provisions of clean water and air by filtering pollution and maintaining quality water reservoirs. As a renewable resource, forests are at the heart of a sustainable bio-based economy. Wood-based materials can act as carbon sinks and reduce carbon emissions, serving as a substitute to fossil-based materials and energy. Forest value chains provide a multitude of product opportunities from different wood components, feedstock materials and side streams.
From providing biodegradable packaging materials to reduce plastic waste in our oceans, to transforming wood components to edible proteins or other ingredients—forests are the answer to a cleaner, brighter future. Initiatives to rally around forests and ensure their protection are well underway. Over 50 cities from six continents are coalescing around a new initiative called Cities4Forests that connects citizens with inner, nearby and forests around the world to help end deforestation and reconnect residents with the nature around them. In Europe, Cities4Forests already includes Vienna, Dublin, and Brussels.
Europe – as a global leader on climate action – is working to make forests a priority for bio-economy and water policies. Or are they? With a new European Parliament and European Commission coming into office in 2019, now is the time to take stock, plan, and continue to ensure that forests and sustainable wood products are valued for their role in climate change mitigation. Join the debate on the UN International Day of Forests! What: The Role of Forests in Advancing EU Climate Action. Speakers:
• Malwina Nowakowska, Deputy Head of Unit, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials at European Commission (DG GROW).
• Michael Proschek-Hauptmann, Head of Compliance and Sustainability, Schweighofer Group • Hugo Schally, Head of Unit, Multilateral Environmental Co-operation (DG ENV).
• Hannah Mowat, Campaigns Coordinator, FERN.
• Andreas Kleinschmit von Lengefeld, Directeur Innovation Recherche et International at the “Institut technologique” FCBA. 
When: Thursday, 21 March 2019, 16:00-19:00.
Where: La Rotonde Bertouille, Bozar (Entrance on Rue Baron Horta 5, next to Bozar Restaurant).
Plus: An exhibition of artwork by Julia Hyde and photography by Michel Petillo. 

To participate, inquire and register contact Mrs Silvia Melegari:
EOS: European Organization of the Sawmill Industry
24 Rue Montoyer / B-1000 Brussels / Belgium
Tel. +32 2 5562585 / Fax +32 2 2870875
E-mail: silvia.melegari@eos-oes.eu