Kirsha Kaechele MONA Co-Owner addresses the Forestry Symposium
Around 300 scientists, researchers, forestry professionals and foresters have gathered for Forestry Australia’s National Symposium being held in Ballarat this week. The key theme for the Symposium is healthy and resilient forests for our future. Source: Timberbiz
Acting Forestry Australia President Dr Bill Jackson said healthy forests can deliver a range of environmental, social, cultural, and economic benefits and are much more likely to withstand future shocks and stresses, such as those generated by bushfires, invasive species and climate change.
Kirsha Kaechele, co-owner of MONA and sponsor of the Forest Economics Congress spoke on the art of radical diplomacy, saying “negotiators need get out of those ugly board rooms”.
Ms Kaechele said we can’t move forward without caring for people – Australia can have the best forest practice in the world by working together; for all sides to be brave enough to welcome broad conversation; and invite peer-review to achieve truly sustainable practice.
Professor Lori Daniels from the Forest Services Centre in Canada spoke about the need for transformative change based on active management that combines the depth of Indigenous knowledge with western ecological science.
“In Canada, forest managers are considering a new future of diversified, proactive, collaborative and evidence-based management for forest resilience,” Professor Daniels said.
Secretary of Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Adam Fennessy identified the key role forestry can play in solving many of societies key challenges.
He announced that the Federal Government is supporting this potential through investing in national forest policy, capacity and capability, climate change and research and development.
Forestry Australia is proud to facilitate conversation and explore strategies that address these issues and create a bright and innovative future for forests in Australia.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is a major sponsor of the symposium.
“We are passionate about natural resource management and support for sustainable forestry industries throughout Australia,” Secretary Adam Fennessy said.
“The department’s portfolio industries, including the forest sector, are on the frontline of climate change.
“Forestry, and sustainable forest management more broadly, are essential parts of the nation’s emissions reduction efforts along with supporting regional jobs in sustainable forestry industries.
“I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to highlight DAFF’s work in delivering the government’s forestry agenda, and our role in supporting industry capability, research and innovation.
“The symposium will provide a forum for wide-ranging discussions about the environmental, social, economic and cultural benefits of healthy forests and the importance of active management to ensure that those values can continue being delivered.
“This includes presentations from several traditional owners, noting how their perspectives on caring for country can inform forest management.
“The symposium will also highlight innovative management to mitigate threats to forest health and resilience, and effective forest recovery and restoration following major disturbances.
“There are critical links between forests, regional development, human wellbeing, connection and creativity, which demonstrate the importance of this symposium, and the work undertaken to implement science and best practice into forest management in Australia.”
