Conference "Passion for Nature" Integrated Governance – Mainstreaming Opportunities for Nature & Society

Bosland 10 Years Anniversary Conference
Integrated governance: increasing opportunities for nature and society

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Wednesday 12 - Friday 14 October 2016
Business Centre, Centerparcs de Vossemeren, Lommel, Belgium

Bosland, the largest forest and nature project in Flanders, was launched 10 years ago. A decade down the road we can look back on an impressive list of achievements of inclusive and sustainable forest management and governance. Although the core traditional forestry-related activities (timber, wood and biomass production) have been maintained and enhanced, a wide range of innovative approaches with significant social and scientific benefits have been successfully developed in the past years. Bosland is a true example of successful multifunctional territorial development and integrated forest governance.

Bosland’s 10th Anniversary is the occasion to share the main achievements of our project with the world.
Linked with the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process, the conference programme not only celebrates the scale of our achievements, but also provides a platform for stimulating networking. Apart from the specific exchanges on inclusive territorial governance, sustainable forest management and science-based adaptive strategies, the programme also showcases innovative business case development in a challenging socio-economic environment. We are sure that our conference will be of high value to all attending.

Who should attend?
EU, national, regional and local policy makers, Natura 2000 and other site managers, business representatives and scientists working at the interface of nature conservation and sustainable regional socio-economic development.

Why should you attend?
This three day landmark Conference creates a European level platform to network with colleagues from around our beautiful continent. As well as offering you the opportunity to discover and meet the actors of a truly innovative and successful integrated approach to regional sustainable development in one of the most densely populated areas of Europe, the programme also includes inspiring relevant initiatives from across Europe. Together, participants will have the opportunity to discuss values and integrated governance approaches, not only important for nature, but also for human health, economic development, job creation, climate, water management, tourism, and many more human dimensions. Working with people's "Passion for Naure" enables us to position biodiversity, nature and ecosystem services as essential pillars for greening economies, as well as for innovation.
The Programme showcases initiatives from a wide range of actors from civil society, the business community, forestry, local and regional administrations and conservationists. It includes presentations from leading actors and stakeholders active in the Bosland Partnership,  case study presentations from other international landmark projects and initiatives, interactive discussion sessions and field visits to see ‘on the ground’ how results are being achieved and to learn from each other.

Whilst celebrating the 10th anniversary of this ground breaking initiative, this event is also a unique opportunity for you to learn and share experience required for inclusive and sustainable forest management and governance.Above all, participation will enable you to look forward and forge new relationships with a view to developing your own existing or planned cooperation projects and initiatives.

Practical information
Venue: The Congress Centre of Centerparcs in Lommel (Belgium).
Accommodation: Participants can book their accommodation (4 star hotel room or cabin) directly with Centerparcs. The package arrangement for the conference includes three days / two nights accommodation (Wed – Fri).
For those who wish to discover the area and / or enjoy the facilities of Centerparcs de Vossemeren (with or without their families), three other options are available [check]: a five day / four night package (Mon – Fri, or Wed – Sun) and a week package (Mon – Mon).  For more information see also download below.
Payments for accommodation are to be made directly to Centerparcs.
Registration: To register for the conference, participants are requested to fill out this online form. Please note that places are limited.
Participation costs cover all meals and coffee/ tea breaks during the programme – the fees are:
• Full 3-day conference: €110
• For day 1 or Day 3 only: €30
• For day 2 only: €60
Travel: A shuttle service will be organised from and to Hasselt Central train station and Eindhoven Airport. Please indicate your travel details in the registration form so that we can plan the shuttle service.
By car: Centerparcs de Vossemeren, Elzen 47, 3920 Lommel, België (GPS coordinates 51.255366, 5.327320 )