This year the annual ProForest Summer Training Programme attracted more than 50 participants representing over 30 organisations and 19 nationalities. The week long event included a range of two and three day courses on responsible management and use of natural resources, practical field trips and a number of other activities including a boat trip on the river Thames.

The courses were based on the extensive and up-to-date practical experience of ProForest staff and designed to bring together key players in a range of fields to provide a unique training opportunity to participants.

This year, in addition to existing courses on Forest Certification, Responsible Purchasing and High Conservation Values (HCV) a new two-day specialist course on Responsible Oil Palm was run, providing an overview of current developments in the oil palm sector. ProForest also hosted a presentation on climate change policy presented by EcoSecurities.

Participants came from a wide range of backgrounds including companies, government, investors, NGOs and academia and from all parts of the supply chain from resource managers through processors to retailers. This mix of backgrounds and experience ensures that participants are also able to learn from discussions and interactions. For many participants the course provided an ideal avenue to discuss their viewpoints and issues with other participants representing different fields.

Some feedback from participants:

"ProForest staff were consistently professional and of high quality"

 "I received value for money, enjoyed the week, and admired the skill with which ProForest organised it, so thank you!"

“Although we don’t operate HCVF concept for forestry in this country, the course confirmed the processes we do employ are very similar - which is reassuring”

"Good presentations with good examples. Rich exchanges with trainers"

"Interesting and well structured course. Balance between presentations and workshops"

"The course was an excellent occasion to have an overview and update of the certification process"

We are already preparing for the 2008 Summer Training Course, which will take place on 21-25 July 2008. Jot this down in your diaries and keep the dates free! 

For further information on next year's course, please contact:

ProForest, South Suite, Frewin Chambers, Frewin Court, Oxford, OX1 3HZ, UK. Telephone: +44 1865 243439, Fax +44 1865 244820, Email info@proforest.net or andry@proforest.net