International Center Helps Coordinate Training for Chinese Forestry Delegation
An 18-member delegation from the China State Forestry Administration met with experts from UGA's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, the United States Forest Service Southern Region, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture as part of a training program jointly facilitated by the Vinson Institute's International Center and the Warnell School. The program, which took place February 27-March 2, was designed to address issues related to national forest management in China.
During their educational tour, the International Center and Warnell School coordinated meetings between the delegation and representatives of the U.S. Forest Service and Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black. In Athens, the International center facilitated a discussion between the delegation and Warnell School Dean Mike Cutter about the potential for cooperation between UGA and Chinese forestry schools. The group also attended talks from the Warnell School's Associate Dean for Research and Service Jim Sweeney and Director of the Center for Forest Business Bob Izlar. Using International Center interpreters, they spoke about the school's areas of study and addressed the history of private property ownership in the United States as it relates to conservation easements.
The delegation also visited a private forest in Greensboro, Georgia, and attended lectures at UGA's Whitehall Forest Research Facility regarding the management of private property rights and public use doctrine, the role of federal government in public forestland management, the status of private forests in U.S. forestry, and timberland as an asset class.
The International Center connects its partners with the expertise of the Vinson Institute and the University of Georgia while also providing them with opportunities to build relationships with Georgia's political and business leaders that foster economic development.
