On 7th November 2024, the ForestWell final conference brought together 40 participants from Iceland, Ireland, Finland, Bali, and Slovenia for an inspiring online event. The conference marked the conclusion of the ForestWell project, showcasing its objectives, results, and impact.
The event began with a welcome from Laura Magan (MMS), setting the tone for a collaborative and reflective session. Participants then delved into the project’s journey with a presentation on ForestWell’s objectives and achievements.
Aine Hamill (EUEI) took the floor to introduce the project website and highlight an innovative feature – an AR environment that allows users to take a virtual walk through the forest, immersing themselves in nature's tranquillity from anywhere in the world. Following this, Laura Magan shared insights into the online training programme and practical examples of its implementation, providing a clear view of the project’s educational resources. The first part of the conference concluded with Anu Nylund (MOOD), who gave an inspiring overview of the project’s networking efforts and its impactful tree planting events.
A highlight of the day was a lecture by Slovenian forest expert Andrej Breznikar from the Slovenian Forest Service. His insights underscored the importance of sustainable forest management and the role of community-driven initiatives like ForestWell.
Participants then engaged in dynamic small group discussions focusing on online training and piloting efforts. A notable example was shared from Slovenia, where 72 students and seven teachers participated in piloting the training. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 70% agreeing that the training course is feasible and practical.
Among the many achievements celebrated during the conference, the project’s tree planting initiatives stood out as a tangible and lasting legacy. A total of 500 trees have been planted or are scheduled to be planted across participating regions, leaving a significant environmental impact and symbolising the project’s core mission.
The final conference was a fitting tribute to the collaborative efforts of all partners and participants involved in ForestWell. From the development of innovative online training and AR experiences to the hands-on action of tree planting, the project has demonstrated how international cooperation can address critical environmental challenges while fostering education and community engagement.
