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Business Finland, in cooperation with XYLOFUTUR, the French national innovation cluster for forest-wood sector (gathering 250 members French groups of Forest owners, municipalities, innovative private companies or R&D centres) is organising a webinar on Finland – France Cooperation “Digital and technological solutions for sustainable forest management on Tuesday 13th May 2025 at 9.30 - 11.00 am (EEST)

Climate change has made forests strategic and like in many countries, France, with its national low-carbon strategy (SNBC) is sticking to its roadmap for the adaptation of mainland forests to address the following challenges: Global warming, Biodiversity Loss, Sustainable Practices and Economic Pressures.

75% of French forests are private, 16% are communal and 9% are state forests managed by the ONF (Office National des Forêts), with hardwood accounting for 72% and softwood for 28% of forest stocks.

France, with its significant forest cover (31% of its territory) and its variety of species (up to 190 different ones), offers multiple opportunities for Finland for implementing smart forestry practices like application of advanced technologies, data analytics, and innovative forest management techniques to enhance the productivity, health, and sustainability of French forests.

Key highlights and objectives of the webinar:

• Insights of sustainable forest management in France and in Finland

• Mapping innovation and opportunities for partnerships in France and in Finland

• Practical study cases from both parties

The primary objectives of the webinar:

• Facilitate knowledge sharing between French and Finnish companies involved in forest management.
• Promote collaboration and networking opportunities between companies from both countries.
• Showcase innovative digital and technological solutions that contribute to sustainable forest management.
• Highlight successful study cases that demonstrate the application of sustainable practices.

Preliminary Agenda

• Welcome words by Mr Matti Anttonen, Ambassador of Finland in France
• Sustainable Forest Management in France
  Roland de Lary, General Director of CPNF – French National Forest Property Center
• Sustainable Forest Management in Finland
  TBC
• Mapping innovation and opportunities for partnerships in France
  Xylofutur French Cluster for forest-wood sector introduction
• Mapping innovation and opportunities for partnerships in Finland
  Business Finland / Business Joensuu or City of Joensuu TBC
• Practical study cases from companies of both countries

Above agenda is subject to changes.