University of Helsinki
Forest restoration and rehabilitation in Southeast Asia (FORRSA) (2005-2008)
Project leader: Prof. Olavi Luukkanen
Project coordinator: Eshetu Yirdaw
Period: December 2005 – November 2008
Financing: EU Asia-Link programme
Project coordination: University of Helsinki / Viikki Tropical Resources Institute (VITRI)
Partners in Europe
Finland, University of Helsinki (UH) / Viikki Tropical Resources Institute (VITRI), Helsinki
Germany, Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) / GeoBio-Center, Biology Department II, Munich
Denmark, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University (KVL) / Danish Centre for Forest, Landscape and Planning, Copenhagen
Partners in Asia
Indonesia , Java, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) / Faculty of Forestry, Bogor
Thailand , Kasetsart University (KU) / Faculty of Forestry, Bangkok
Project Summary
The project aimed at the human capacity enhancement of Asian and European young academics and postgraduate students for teaching and research on restoration and rehabilitation of degraded forests and wetlands In Southeast Asia, specifically Indonesia and Thailand. The special emphasis was on the use of multi-criteria analysis/decision making by Integrating GIS methods and tools with ecological and social knowledge. The project provided a foundation for fostering new Institutional partnerships and reinforcing existing research/training cooperation. Activities included intensive courses (training for trainers), field studies, and teacher and student exchange for young academics and postgraduate students. These activities were supported by joint workshops for curriculum development and for sharing the best practices in education and research among the partner institutions and other selected organisations.