In a time of economic, social and political changes in the EU-Mediterranean landscape, can the forestry and environmental sector be an opportunity and a tool of employment, knowledge, social inclusion and dialogue between peoples? If yes, how?
Next 16th November 2016, at the European Parliament in Brussels, the conference “Jobs, Development, Social Inclusion and Climate Change Migration in the Mediterranean: The transformative power of the Forestry and Environmental sector” will address the above issues and offer approaches to tackle challenges like climate change migration, growth and local development.
The conference will combine diverse perspectives to highlight opportunities and approaches for a new role of the forestry and environmental sector, with contributions from prestigious speakers, including representatives of the Union for Mediterranean and the International Organisation for Migration, Mr. Santiago Fisas and Mr. Francesc Gambús, European Parliament Members, and several other experts.
The conference will also mark the launch of the “NODE” – Node for Opportunities, Development and Environment – an independent service-hub, able to connect actors of diversified capacities with services of different types and combine them to provide tailored sustainable development solutions in the forestry and environmental sector.
The NODE uses a multidisciplinary approach mixing policy advisory capacities with market opportunities, research capabilities, knowledge, and capacity-building trainings, and where elements such as social inclusion, human empowerment, and cultural dialogue are as important as scientific and technical research. The CREAF researcher and NODE’s Scientific Coordinator, Dr. Enrique Doblas, believes that the NODE’s approach could lead to job creation, sustainable development and social progress.
In fact Dr. Doblas’ belief is based also on the achievements and developments of his previous project MENFRI, a European project, funded by the European Commission DG Research and Innovation, to promote innovative Mediterranean forest management by sharing knowledge between the northern and southern Mediterranean.
“MENFRI” says Dr. Doblas “managed to achieve many results but we observed that a more innovative approach was needed, including not only technical and research capacities, but also elements of economic growth, business facilitation, social and cultural dialogue and sustainable development. In that moment”, continues Doblas, “I understood that MENFRI was not enough – we needed more. We needed a more flexible and multidisciplinary approach to help us combine people and services to deliver customized solutions: We needed the NODE”.
“The NODE”, concludes Doblas, “is open to key actors from different sectors, interested in joining forces to go beyond a mere sum of single units, to grow exponentially and develop new businesses and solutions. All this while learning and building upon each other’s strengths. I invite those who want to know more about the NODE and the conference to visit www.thenode.co”.
Free registration: at this link (http://ow.ly/7Iaz30608wc) or elise.regairaz@alienoreu.com
