From 13 to 17 September 2011 in Joensuu (Finland) hosted an international environmental conference "Act now! Forest for the Future! ", held within the framework of ENO (Environment Online). The main purpose of the conference was to inform the public about environmental protection and ecology, the establishment of sustainable forest management in the world, the importance of forests for people in the world, promotion of a healthy lifestyle to prevent climate change and global warming, etc. The conference brought together about 5,000 representatives from 60 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and America.
Azerbaijan was represented at this conference by Board Member of Children Initiative Plant-for-the-Planet, Young Ambassador on Environmental issues Rufat Dargahli and Chair of Ataturk Liceum Eco-club Fidan Vagifqizi.
During the conference, held a panel discussion on “Sustainable use of forests today and tomorrow”. The panel members were Mr Petri Heinonen, UPM, Mr Risto Sulkava, The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, Dr Olli Saastamoinen, University of Eastern Finland, ENO Teacher Ronnie Antony, Taiwan and Young Ambassador on Environmental issues, Student Rufat Dargahli (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJpdUOTgnPQ)
It is noteworthy that panel discussion was live on the web. Rufat Dargahli told about world forest problems, how to use forests in a sustainable way, particularly protection, restoration and use of forests in Azerbaijan, the work done by planting and growing of seedlings and trees in the country. He also visited several Finnish schools, Koli National Park, where children took in the campaign to plant trees, participate in tours and detailed acquaintance with the culture and traditions of different countries.
