a unique perspective a vision for canada's forests - Canadian ...

Institute to a special reception and dinner. Like all CIF/IFC events, it was a tremendousopportunity for forest professionals to network, share knowledge and information, andenjoy a true and unique camaraderie…The theme of the conference - Canada's Forests: Manage for Change proved to be verytimely for all concerned with forest management, a changing forest sector, and the need tobalance the social, environmental and economic values of our forests.2009 Canadian Institute of Forestry – Conference & AGMEnergizing Forestry through New Strategies and Partnerships – September 21-23, 2009Forests and forest products have outgrown their traditional social and economic boundaries,taking centre stage in the world fight against global warming. Seen as the climate changeheroes, trees sequester atmospheric carbon and convert it into wood, locking away harmfulgreenhouse gasses. At the same time, carbon-neutral biomass energy derived from woodfibre offsets the use of fossil fuels, leading to cleaner, more earth friendly technologies.Current global and economic conditions have created an ideal opportunity for private andpublic sectors to partner in the quest to mitigate climate change. Policymakers from acrossthe political and intellectual spectrum have recognized the potential this holds for long termjob growth and industry stimulation. Climate change mitigation is well-suited for publicequity markets and particularly private markets such as venture capital, private equity,infrastructure and timberland.At this 3 day conference, the Canadian Institute of Forestry will explore these emergingaspects of forest management, bringing all 275 participants into the carbon marketplacediscussion.- 48 -