First WoodPoP Wood Policy Lab held at WaldCampus Traunkirchen

Traunkirchen, Austria – The WaldCampus in the picturesque town of Traunkrichen played the host to the first Wood Policy Lab from 3 – 5 July 2024. The meeting was organized by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management (BML) and the Secretariat of the European Wood Policy Platform (woodPoP). It brought together representatives from various pan-European countries and key stakeholders from the wood, paper and fibre-based industries as well as researchers to foster dialogue and collaboration in developing key messages that will help shape a new momentum for sustainable and innovative use of wood.

Gathering of actors within Europe's wood-based value chain

The event saw the participation of various pan-European country representatives, wood-based industry representatives, and researchers. This diverse group of participants engaged in a series of collaborative sessions designed to refine the messages, data and drafting of the woodPoP position paper. Topics ranged from sustainable wood sourcing, circular utilisation, building with wood, wood product innovation, education and awareness, and the role of wood in climate change mitigation.

The Wood Policy Lab presented a crucial step towards a more comprehensive and structured approach to wood policy in Europe encompassing the entire wood-based value chain. “With the collaboration here, it can set the right priorities for the forest and wood-based sector.” said the Head of the Department of Wood Policy, Bioeconomy and Innovation of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management Austria and Wood Policy Lab event chair, Dr. Georg Rappold. 

Key Highlights and Outcomes

One of the standout features of the Wood Policy Lab was its inclusive and interactive format. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and insights, leading to rich discussions and an exchange of ideas and positions.

The resulting woodPoP position paper, which is still under discussion (see next steps), promises to be a comprehensive guide for the political work of woodPoP members in political committees and individual discussions with ministries, parliaments, and the public. 

Key topics addressed in the position paper include:

  • Wood Source and Supply Chain Management
  • Circular Utilization
  • Wood Processing and Manufacturing
  • Construction and Buildings
  • Development of Smart and Green Wood Uses
  • Skills and Education
  • Communication and Awareness
  • Governance: Regulatory Compliance, Harmonisation, and Sustainability. 

Next Step

The consolidated draft of the woodPoP Position Paper will be soon presented for comments and discussion at the Expert Group Meeting in Norway on 11 September 2024.

The invitation including the registration link to the Expert Group Meeting has been sent out to woodPoP members. The deadline for registration is on 02 September 2024.

Video credit: The Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions, and Water Management and the WoodPoP Secretariat

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