An international conference for policy makers and scientists to discuss what science can contribute to improved ecosystem services of forests in Europe and beyond.

Forests cover 31% of the total global land area. These forests give home to 80% of Earth's terrestrial biodiversity and the livelihood of 1.6 billion people around the world depends on forests. Recognizing the global importance of forests the United Nations declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on conservation, multiple use and sustainable development of all types of forests.

Topics to be addressed:

• Forest protection under global change
• Forest products and ecosystem services
• International forest policies