The ProForest summer training programme 2008 took place in Oxford from 21 to 25 July. It included a variety of presentations, workshops, and panel discussions on an extensive range of issues regarding sustainable management and use of natural resources.

The programme included the already existing courses on Forest  Certification, Responsible Purchasing, and High Conservation Values (HCV), and was expanded to include the latest information on forest governance and illegal logging, forests and climate change (REDD) and social requirements in certification schemes. Also a separate course was added to address the specific issues regarding responsible purchasing and production of agricultural commodities.

The courses drew on the up-to-date practical experience of ProForest staff. Together with the detailed knowledge of various guests, this provided a unique training opportunity to the 36 participants from 17 different countries. The wide range of backgrounds form these professionals, from industry to government to NGOs, provided a good basis for productive discussions in the workshops that complemented the presentations of experts.

Next year’s course will take place from 13 till 17 July 2009. More information on this programme will be available on the website in the beginning of next year. For more information on the summer training programme, please contact Andry: andry@proforest.net or +44 1865 243439.

What participants said:

 “The presenters clearly have much experience in the topics they presented.”

 “Well informed staff, open discussion and clarification of points, backed by participants who all fully engaged in the course.”

 “An excellent opportunity to meet people with other experiences.”

 “Best part was the anecdotes and actual experiences shared by ProForest staff either as part of the presentations or in the coffee breaks.”

 “I appreciated all courses. I have really improved my knowledge.”

 “Good balance of more theoretical presentations and ‘ step by step’ practical presentations.

 “This was exactly what I was looking for!”

 “Thanks a whole bunch to all ProForest trainers and staff for having made this possible. You all did a very good job.”