The Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (Oslo, June 2011) adopted “European Forests 2020” targets like: “… to enhance the visibility of forests and the forest sectors multiple contributions to global challenges and societal needs, … to participate in global and regional fora to raise awareness or … to address emerging issues forest knowledge improves through research, education, innovation, information sharing and communication.”

The European Commission adopted on 20th Sept. 2013 a new EU Forest Strategy for forests and the forest-based-sector. The strategy points out that the Commission and the member states “should improve their valuing of the benefits that forests give to society and foster the awareness of Sustainable Forest Management.”

The United Nations adopted on 25 September 2015 their UN-Resolution 70/1: Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Especially Goal 4 adresses education directly: “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. In No. 4.7 the resolution demands: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development”.

The work programme (adopted in May 2016) of the „Minsterial Conference on forests in Europe (FOREST EUROPE)” highlights in No. 4.6: “Also there is evidence that forests as a learning space, place for recreation and spending leisure time have positive effects on personal development and physical skills, support motivation, creativity and responsibility. Awareness raising, education and informing the public concerning the role of forests and SFM, is an overarching topic leading to increased knowledge, forming positive attitude and perception of forests and the forest sector.”