20th European Forest Pedagogics Congress 2026
Twentieth European Forest Pedagogics Congress is just around the corner!
29. June 2026
20th European Forest Pedagogics Congress 2026
Traunkirchen, Austria, 31st August – 3rd September 2026
T
he 20th European Forest Pedagogy Congress from 31st August – 3rd September 2026, has successfully ended in Traunkirchen, Austria. Under the motto “Biodiversity in European forests and its communication through the methods of forest pedagogy,” the Congress brought together forest pedagogues, experts and practitioners from 17 European countries to exchange knowledge, share experiences and explore new approaches to communicating the importance of biodiversity.
The Congress was hosted by the Forest Training Centre for Forests, part of the Federal Research and Training Centre for Forests, Natural Hazards and Landscape (BFW).
Biodiversity at the heart of forest pedagogy
The BFW is strongly committed to researching, understanding and preserving biodiversity in forests. In the face of climate change and increasing environmental challenges, protecting and promoting biodiversity in our forests is more important than ever.
The Congress focused on how this important topic can be communicated through forest pedagogy and made accessible to people of all ages. The aim was to explore ways in which forest education can deepen people's understanding of biodiversity, demonstrate the complex relationships within forest ecosystems and raise awareness of the sustainable use and protection of our forests.
Through workshops, presentations, practical activities, excursions and discussions, participants had the opportunity to exchange experiences and discover different approaches to forest education across Europe.
Learning from one another across Europe
The participation of representatives from 17 European countries underlined the international importance of forest pedagogy. Each country and region brings its own experiences, traditions and educational approaches. The Congress provided a valuable platform for sharing these perspectives and learning from one another.
The diversity of approaches was itself a powerful reminder of the importance of biodiversity: different perspectives, methods and experiences can come together to create something stronger and more resilient.
The personal exchange and numerous inspiring encounters also strengthened the European network of forest pedagogues and created new opportunities for future cooperation.
Communicating biodiversity through experience
Forest pedagogy plays a crucial role in making biodiversity tangible. Rather than simply communicating facts, it enables people to experience the forest directly, discover its diversity and understand the connections between species, habitats and ecological processes.
In this way, forest education can help transform knowledge into appreciation – and appreciation into responsible action.
The Congress highlighted a shared conviction among participants: only through common awareness and collective action can we safeguard biodiversity and ensure a future worth living for generations to come.
A strong European network for the future The 20th European Forest Pedagogy Congress was both a celebration of the achievements of forest pedagogy over the past decades and an opportunity to look towards the future.
The discussions, ideas and experiences shared in Traunkirchen will continue to inspire forest pedagogues throughout Europe. The Congress has strengthened existing partnerships, created new connections and provided fresh momentum for communicating the importance of biodiversity.
The organizers extend their sincere thanks to all participants, speakers, the core team of the FCN - Subgroup-Forest Pedagogics and everyone involved in making the Congress such a successful and inspiring event.
The Congress may have come to an end, but the shared mission continues:
To connect people with forests, to communicate the value of biodiversity and to inspire responsible action for the forests of tomorrow.
Together, we can create awareness. Together, we can act. Together, we can protect the diversity of European forests for future generations.
Biodiversity at the heart of forest pedagogy
The BFW is strongly committed to researching, understanding and preserving biodiversity in forests. In the face of climate change and increasing environmental challenges, protecting and promoting biodiversity in our forests is more important than ever.
The Congress focused on how this important topic can be communicated through forest pedagogy and made accessible to people of all ages. The aim was to explore ways in which forest education can deepen people's understanding of biodiversity, demonstrate the complex relationships within forest ecosystems and raise awareness of the sustainable use and protection of our forests.
Through workshops, presentations, practical activities, excursions and discussions, participants had the opportunity to exchange experiences and discover different approaches to forest education across Europe.
Learning from one another across Europe
The participation of representatives from 17 European countries underlined the international importance of forest pedagogy. Each country and region brings its own experiences, traditions and educational approaches. The Congress provided a valuable platform for sharing these perspectives and learning from one another.
The diversity of approaches was itself a powerful reminder of the importance of biodiversity: different perspectives, methods and experiences can come together to create something stronger and more resilient.
The personal exchange and numerous inspiring encounters also strengthened the European network of forest pedagogues and created new opportunities for future cooperation.
Communicating biodiversity through experience
Forest pedagogy plays a crucial role in making biodiversity tangible. Rather than simply communicating facts, it enables people to experience the forest directly, discover its diversity and understand the connections between species, habitats and ecological processes.
In this way, forest education can help transform knowledge into appreciation – and appreciation into responsible action.
The Congress highlighted a shared conviction among participants: only through common awareness and collective action can we safeguard biodiversity and ensure a future worth living for generations to come.
A strong European network for the future The 20th European Forest Pedagogy Congress was both a celebration of the achievements of forest pedagogy over the past decades and an opportunity to look towards the future.
The discussions, ideas and experiences shared in Traunkirchen will continue to inspire forest pedagogues throughout Europe. The Congress has strengthened existing partnerships, created new connections and provided fresh momentum for communicating the importance of biodiversity.
The organizers extend their sincere thanks to all participants, speakers, the core team of the FCN - Subgroup-Forest Pedagogics and everyone involved in making the Congress such a successful and inspiring event.
The Congress may have come to an end, but the shared mission continues:
To connect people with forests, to communicate the value of biodiversity and to inspire responsible action for the forests of tomorrow.
Together, we can create awareness. Together, we can act. Together, we can protect the diversity of European forests for future generations.
