As global calls for sustainable development grow louder, Wales’ wood knowledge network is stepping up to share insights, forge partnerships, and shape policies for a regenerative, circular economy in Europe
Cardiff, 8 November 2024 – This November, Woodknowledge Wales (WKW) were invited onto the international stage to contribute expertise rooted and grown in Wales to policy discussions, research collaborations, and sustainable innovation initiatives across Europe. Leading these efforts are Gary Newman, Chief Executive, and Christiane Lellig, Specialist Advisor for Regenerative Systems Change, who will represent WKW at four high-profile events, where they aimed to share, learn and help develop cross-border efforts to advance sustainable, wood-based economies.
Sharing the flat business model approach at Built by Nature’s Annual Summit
Gary Newman kicked off the month by attending the Built by Nature Annual Summit in Amsterdam on November 6th,7th and 8th . Representing WKW among European leaders in timber construction. The event provides a unique opportunity to connect and learn from other countries. Gary has been specifically invited to share the WkW business model and approach in a workshop with international Built by Nature network leads.
The Summit provided WKW with a rare opportunity to showcase Wales’ approach to wood-based development and to position Welsh expertise within an international network, that includes leading developers, investors, designers, asset owners, insurers and national and local government
“Work rooted in Wales demonstrates that even a small nation can make a significant impact in sustainable, resilient construction. and we’re looking forward to sharing our progress with, and learning from an international audience,” Gary Newman commented as he left for the conference.
Championing Policy Development: Wood Policy and Innovation Conference
On the same day, Christiane Lellig joined policy experts and stakeholders at the Wood Policy and Innovation Conference byWood4Bauhaus in Brussels. Christiane contributed to discussions on the policy frameworks required to develop a thriving, sustainable forest-based economy in the UK and Europe. With Welsh wood policies currently at a crucial development stage, Christiane sees this as a golden opportunity to draw on European insights that could strengthen WKW’s policy advocacy back home.
“This conference is about more than policy,” Christiane noted. “It’s about building resilience and robustness across the wood value chain and connecting with policymakers who share our commitment to a forest based economy that adds value to people and planet. We’ll bring new perspectives back to Wales and look at how we can collaborate with European partners towards shared goals.”
Strengthening European Connections: EUFORE Stakeholder Meeting and Bioeconomy Regions Summit
Christiane’s European engagements continue with her attendance at the EUFORE Stakeholder Meeting on November 27th and the Bioeconomy Regions Summit on November 28th. These gatherings will allow WKW to forge valuable partnerships and learn from other regions developing place-based bioeconomy strategies. Christiane will speak at the summit about WKW’s collaborative approach to innovation that emphasises authentic relationships between people and the need for a cultural shift towards embracing trees and timber as part of Wales’ rich cultural heritage and identity.
The Bioeconomy Regions Summit’s panel discussions offer a rich forum for Christiane to share insights from Wales’ wood value chain and discuss potential new avenues with panel guests from Austria and the Netherlands.
“It’s a privilege to represent Wales at such a high-level event and demonstrate how collaborative strategies can enable businesses and people across the forest and construction sector to thrive. It’s clear to me that successful bioeconomy transitions require not only policy support but also strong, regional partnerships that can bring about meaningful, localised change,” said Christiane.
Wales’ Influence on a Global Wood Economy
These events mark a step forward for WKW as it branches out internationally. With WKW’s commitment to a forest-based, regenerative economy firmly aligned with EU goals, both Gary and Christiane aim to strengthen Wales’ role in Europe’s bioeconomy.
“Wales is proud to be part of these important conversations and to contribute our ideas and experience,” says Gary. “The future of sustainable construction and forestry is a shared effort, and we’re honored to play a role in it alongside our international partners.”
