Moderator: Mike Simpson, MA, RPF, President, M.F. Simpson Ltd.

Thirty-one individuals representing the forest sector from government, industry, consulting, and academia travelled to Finland in fall 2023 to learn about their forest culture, practices, innovation, and manufacturing of forest products. In this session, four speakers will share different perspectives from the tour on what stood out for them and the lessons that can be applied to BC.

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Following the presentation, attendees will have learned the following:

1. Establishing a culture of forestry forms the basis for a successful forest sector.
2. Sound and reliable forest data is the key to sustainable forest management and leads to innovation in the entire value chain.
3. Education, research, and innovation at all levels are important pillars of success and build trust.
4. A solid foundation is needed to advance the bioeconomy and a value-added industry.
5. Finland makes necessary investments to stay ahead of the curve and is actively working to implement the circular bioeconomy.
6. The investments Finland has made continue to have real returns. The paybacks are significant.
7. The balancing of the social/cultural/environmental/economic values is prominent within the culture from the country's forest strategy through to the landowner. The process is inclusive rather than exclusive, and highlights how values must exist in balance. They are not shy about timber production, profit, and economy, but at the same time have a clear and proud culture of environmental stewardship.