The 16th International Boreal Forest Research Association (IBFRA) Conference

This year a high-level forest ministry meeting of boreal countries will take place in parallel to the meeting. This meeting aims to identify the possible links between IBFRA’s science outcomes and its policy relevance with respect to national policy making in the respective countries.

The boreal forest is the world’s largest terrestrial biome, covering 8% of the world’s land surface and comprising 29% of the world’s forest cover. This region is dominated by coniferous and mixed forests and peatlands with relatively low rates of net primary production due to the short growing season and cool summer temperatures.  The boreal forest serves an important role in the global carbon cycle, provides important habitat for many species, and still contains large areas that remain free of direct human disturbance.  Climate and other environmental changes and development of timber, energy and mineral resources currently pose serious threats to the integrity of this great northern forest. 

The 16th IBFRA Conference, is being hosted by Natural Resources Canada and the University of Alberta, and will include keynote speakers, panel discussions and scientific sessions (oral and poster) exploring advances in research and policy relating to boreal forests, with emphasis on important regional and global issues including conservation of habitat and biodiversity, strategies for mitigation of and adaptation to changing climate, coping with changes in disturbance regimes, and socio-economic changes and impacts.  Emphasis will be placed on the use of science to inform management practices and public policy in the boreal. 

IIASA Presentations

Anatoly Shvidenko
Adaptation and mitigation strategies for Russian forests
Tuesday, 8 October
13:40-15:00
Abstract

Florian Kraxner
Global forest management certification – future development scenarios with special emphasis on the boreal forest
Tuesday, 8 October
15:30-17:15
Abstract

Last edited: 08 October 2013