Dear All This is a follow-up from our earlier email announcement regarding the Research Symposium: Underpinning sustainable tree plantations in Southern Africa, set to take place on Friday 4 September 2015 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban South Africa, as a pre-congress meeting linked to the World Forestry Congress (WFC2015). We are very pleased to send you the Draft Programme of Invited Speakers for this event which the ICFR is hosting in proud association with IUFRO. The Symposium programme comprises a list of invited speakers; leaders and research specialists, who will showcase the depth and breadth of forestry research across South Africa. Our keynote speaker is South Africa’s National Minister for Science and Technology, Minister Naledi Pandor, and other invited speakers include IUFRO President, Prof Mike Wingfield, FORNESSA’s Dr Joe Cobbinah and a number of top South African research scientists and leaders. Further details of these are attached. We have had confirmation from the WFC 2015 that we will present the outcome of the Symposium as a paper at the Congress highlighting the current and future importance and impact of forestry research in the region. The event also provides a valuable information sharing and networking forum and an excellent opportunity for international and national participants to engage in dialogue in support of growing collaboration and partnerships and we hope to see many of you at the Symposium! RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM DETAILS DATE: Friday, 4 September 2015 VENUE: International Convention Centre, Durban All are welcome, and delegates can register and find further details at www.fao.org/about/meetings/world-forestry-congress/programme/precongress-ev… Please assist us by passing this information on to any contacts or colleagues around the world who may be interested in attending. For any queries or comments please contact Sally Upfold sally.upfold(a)icfr.ukzn.ac.za. Regards Sally Sally J Upfold, Knowledge Manager Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR) UKZN Campus, Carbis Road, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg P O Box 100281, Scottsville 3209, South Africa Tel: 033 - 3862314, Fax: 033 - 3868905 Cell: 082 570 0851 E-mail: sally.upfold(a)icfr.ukzn.ac.za Website: www.icfr.ukzn.ac.za Twitter: @ICFR_SA