Recognizing that there might be unrealized opportunities for collaboration between environmental groups and the forestry industry in the Atlantic rainforest region of Brazil—one of the most diverse and threatened areas of the world—TFD convened a series of dialogues from 2003 to 2007 focusing on improving cross-sectoral cooperation for biodiversity conservation in the region.

Dialogues

Fourth Regional Dialogue on Forests and Biodiversity Conservation

15-17 May 2007 - Mogi, Brazil

The fourth and last regional Atlantic Forest Dialogue took place at the "Parque das Neblinas", a natural private reserve of Suzano Papel e Celulose, from May 15 to 17, 2007. During the event, the participants analyzed the achievements reached during the previous meetings on the two Dialogue topics: tree farming programs and territorial planning. In addition, companies and NGOs presented four plans of action they pursued to promote conservation in the Atlantic Forest. The agenda also included debates on the next phase of the Dialogue which will focus on strengthening local forums and monitoring projects implemented on the field.

Meeting materials available.

Third Regional Dialogue on Forests and Biodiversity Conservation

25-27 October 2006 - Porto Seguro, Brazil

TFD hosted the third version of the Regional Dialogue on Forests and Biodiversity Conservation in Brazil. At the meeting, the participants presented the information they gathered since the Second Dialogue, identified gaps, and proposed guidelines in order to improve the pilot projects on Tree Farming and Territorial Planning, which will be implemented throughout the Atlantic Rain Forest. In addition, the group visited the largest private reserve (RPPN) of the Atlantic Forest. The field trip proved to be very important for building trust among the participants.

Meeting materials available.

Second Regional Dialogue on Forests and Biodiversity Conservation

17-19 May 2006 - Canhoinhas and Tres Barras, Brazil

The second Regional Dialogue focused on the Atlantic Forest took place in southern Brazil from May 17 to May 19, 2006. Participants discussed joint actions to address biodiversity conservation in the region. The Dialogue focused on the central themes highlighted in the first meeting for which two specific working groups were created: (1) tree farmers and (2) ecological and economic zoning.

Meeting materials available.

First Regional Dialogue on Forests and Biodiversity Conservation

19-21 October 2005 - Teresopolis, Brazil

TFD hosted the first Regional Dialogue on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation in 2005, specifically focused on the Atlantic Forests of Brazil. The meeting brought together, for the first time, key leaders to develop a more closely aligned vision between leading forestry companies and conservationists. Participants agreed on concrete actions to increase the scale of conservation efforts while delivering value to participating forestry companies. Future meetings will look to expand NGO-private sector partnerships and collaborations to conserve the Atlantic Forest.  TFD co-sponsored the meeting with three Brazilian organizations: Instituto BioAtlantica, The Nature Conservancy of Brasil and Conservation International of Brasil.

Meeting materials available.

First International Dialogue on Forests and Biodiversity Conservation

9-11 October 2003 - Santa Cruz de Cabralia, Brazil

From October 9 to October 11, 2003, thirty stakeholders came together in Santa Cruz de Cabralia, Brazil for a dialogue convened by TFD. The focus of the discussion was on forestry and biodiversity conservation. The meeting provided an opportunity for members of environmental groups, the forests products industry, landowner groups and academia to exchange information and ideas on the key factors needed to achieve successful biodiversity conservation and business outcomes in forest regions. The dialogue included a tour of conservation and plantation operations in the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil. The group reviewed cases of successful conservation projects and examined the obstacles to wider acceptance and implementation of these forest conservation efforts. The dialogue concluded with several recommended follow-up activities. TFD is committed to continuing these discussion and where possible collaborating with others.

Meeting materials available.