CAPABAL aims to enhance the capacity, in particular professional knowledge, skills and access to networks and emerging research, of forest and natural resources governance, policy, and economics young future leaders in research, policy making, and forest management in the Western Balkan region in order to facilitate the achievement of international standards of sustainable forest management and governance as well as promote economic development. As the Western Balkan countries work toward preparing for EU membership, policy reform, economic reform, and governance reform are critical to comply with EU directives and legislative requirements. CAPABAL will target early stage researchers (ERS), future policy leaders, and young resource managers employed in regional institutions ranging from forestry faculties and research institutes to natural resources ministries, forest enterprises, businesses, and NGOs. CAPABAL’s activities (including meetings to develop broad networks learn from others, STSMs to develop deep professional relationships and Training Schools to provide information to larger groups) and the associated exposure to international researchers, policy makers, and resource managers as well as European and international policy processes will have immediate effects on the improvement of governance, policy, and economic reforms in the Western Balkan countries. In addition, strengthening personal relationships among future leaders in science, policy, and practice within the region will also support the necessary trust and capacity for strong science-policy-practice communication. One important objective of this Targeted Network is development of a Vision document on the Future of Balkan Forest and a Strategic Research Agenda to address those challenges and opportunities identified in the vision.
Capacity building - Western Balkan Countries - Forest Policy and Governance - Forest Management - Forest Economics
