Click to download a copy of the IUFRO 2005 delegate list (PDF 184 kb)
Friends and Colleagues
The banners have been taken down, the last satchel packed away, and our international visitors have returned home, but that hasn’t stopped people from talking about the ‘downunder’ Congress.
After waiting 113 years to host the IUFRO World Congress the Aussie organising team and their many volunteer supporters pulled out all stops to entice, enrol and ensure participants enjoyed the 22nd Congress.
Over 2100 participants from 96 countries shared their passion for forestry research, innovation and application in the friendly city of Brisbane. And there were many opportunities to supplement professional discourse with cultural entertainment and local sightseeing.
The weather was “Queensland perfect” for outdoor events such as the tree planting where young indigenous performers inspired the attendees with their vigour and messages on what trees mean to them. The sun shone for the in-congress tour day when 1400 plus delegates bordered buses and ferries and were wisked off to over 75 different inspection sites within the southeast region.
The scientists assistance program made it possible for over 80 to attend Congress. The majority were women and many were able to participate in the pre-congress training courses.
Five keynote speakers provided inspirational platforms for later panel discussions. While all presenters came from different disciplines the Congress theme of “Forests in the Balance: Linking Tradition and Technology” provided an apt focus.
The range of technical session coverage augmented by quality posters was simply awesome. A rich and diverse program matrix gave the majority of delegates almost too much to choose from. Add in the spectacular showcases within the concurrent Exhibition, memorable national entertainers from Australia and Korea, special lunchtime presentations from awardees and a plethora of Divisional and satellite events and free time was at a premium.
Many visitors took the opportunity to recover from the exit gala event and overall hectic pace of the Congress week to explore more of the Australian landscape and that of its near neighbours in scheduled and private post –congress tours.
Now that you are back home the organising team would like to thank you all for your invaluable support. A Congress report will be prepared and our intention is to post it on the Congress and IUFRO web sites in early November.
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