FSC Adria-Balkan Engaged in Key Regional Events

The Forestry Kupres 2025 conference marked a decade of discussions on sustainable forestry, bringing together public forest managers from across the Balkan region. This year’s focus was on market trends, geopolitical challenges, and the future of forestry in the face of increasing uncertainties. Meanwhile, Adriatic Wood Days 2025 explored innovative and eco-friendly models for wood processing, biomass market development, rural economic growth, and the future of the timber industry.

In Kupres, over 50 speakers, including international representatives from the UN Forum on Forests and the The European State Forest Association (EUSTAFOR), shared insights on sustainable forestry amid negative market trends. In Rovinj, business leaders discussed innovation in forest-based value chains, cogeneration energy from wood biomass, and the role of national industrial clusters in optimizing resource use.

At both events, Diego Florian emphasized the need for responsible forest management—balancing social, environmental, and economic values in response to the rising global demand for forest-based materials. He highlighted FSC’s role in ensuring sustainability, providing practical tools to align voluntary certification schemes with evolving international regulations aimed at halting deforestation and forest degradation.

Beyond these conferences, FSC Adria-Balkan also maintained an active presence at the Home Fair in Ljubljana, the leading construction event in Slovenia. Held from March 5–9, 2025, the fair hosted over 400 companies from the construction and renovation sectors. At the FSC information booth, Jure Rejec, FSC’s Slovenian representative, engaged with visitors, consumers, and wood industry professionals, answering questions about FSC certification’s role in protecting Slovenian forests and enabling local wood-processing companies to access environmentally responsible markets.

Looking ahead, the FSC Adria-Balkan team is preparing for further participation in key regional events. The next major engagement will be at Greencajt, the International Sustainability Festival in Zagreb, from May 21–23, 2025. Diego Florian is scheduled to speak on May 23rd, continuing FSC’s mission to promote responsible forestry and sustainable market practices in the region.