To get a better understanding of policy and governance of the Russian forest sector, including its perspective within the EU and a pan‐European context, the European Forest Institute (EFI), St. Petersburg Forest Technical University (FTU) and the University of Padova (UNIPD) have jointly organized a Summer School (8-12 July 2013).

The course also introduced policy analysis and forest sector forcast methods.  In addition, actual issues such as trade and forest certification, criteria and indicator development were presented and discussed.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this Summer School, the lecturers included representatives of various sectors linked with the forest context including: researchers, industry delegates and NGOs members.  It was facilitated by Margaret Shannon (EFI – FOPER) and Alexander Dobrovolsky (FTU).  The twenty selected students included PhD and MSc students and also experts, researchers and specialists.

The course had a participatory approach, as the lectures were combined with active discussions and facilitated group work.  In addition, the attendees had the chance to meet local forest administration representatives and key stakeholders during an excursion planned for that purpose.  It gave them the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the St. Petersburg summer at the same time.