The basics

We are proud to announce that the South European Regional Meeting of IFSA for 2017 will take place from 23rd to 30th April in Bulgaria, and in particular the Student’s Club for Environmental Protection, was given the chance to host the event. We chose to get you acquainted with old- growth forests for which Bulgaria is still one of the last shelters in Europe.
The old-growth forests are a natural reservoir for genetic material and a zone for tranquility for many species, whose existence is solely dependent on the forests themselves.  
The main goal of the meeting is to show these Bulgarian riches and at the same time, to enrich the knowledge of the students from forestry majors and other nature sciences, through extracurricular activities and exchange of practice. 
In order to present to you some of these forestry treasures we will take you on a one-week trip through different climate areas, from one fairy tale forest to another. You are going to enter a long forgotten world of old beech, spruce, chestnut and plane forests. You will have the chance to see some of the ‘sexy old ladies’ of the Bosnian pine. And all of these gathered in only one fifth or Bulgaria’s territory. 

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The legend of Bulgaria

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There’s a popular legend here which says that when God was giving land to other countries the Bulgarian was working in the field at that time and showed up last. God has already given all the land and nothing was left but a few leftovers at the bottom of the bag. So he turned the bag upside down and gave them to the Bulgarian. Although this story is only a legend there is a grain of truth- despite its small territory Bulgaria comprises various landscapes, 5 climate zones and consequently, rich biodiversity. This is a land of high mountains and vast plains, dense forests and fields. And on top of all, we have a sea as well.
For those of you who don’t know, Bulgaria is that small country in the corner of Europe. Since it has been an important crossroads for millenia different cultures met here and left their marks. That led to the formation of our colourful folklore and traditions. 

 

The motivation

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We are a pack of students who are too bored with conventional education. That’s why we have decided to make our lives more difficult and started organizing this meeting. Since we have taken part in a few meetings so far and got familiar with all the fun, all the benefits that come during such an event - many new skills and knowledge, great people you meet and exchange contacts with, and of course a lot of fun ! So we wanted to return the favor.
We are all fascinated by Bulgarian nature and this is the main reason why we, like all of you, chose this field of studies. So we decided to show you this splendor. And trust us, Bulgaria has a lot to show!

 

The IFSA family​

 

The International Forestry Students' Association is a non political, non religious and not for profit organization that brings together forestry students from all over the world in a wide spectrum of activities. Its vision, is to work for global cooperation among students of forest sciences in order to broaden knowledge and understanding.

SERM is the Southern European Regional Meeting for forestry students from LCs (Local Committees) from this area. It is hosted by a different LC each year and welcomes around 50 students. During such an event, forestry students gather to get acquainted with the forestry management practices in the hosting country and also to collect experience and contacts both between themselves and with representatives from international forestry organizations.

Every year, two Regional Representatives are chosen, to help coordinate the IFSA events for the region. For 2016/2017, the RRs are Damiano Cilio from Italy and Eva Weiss from Germany. Without their help and guidance, this event would not be on such a level.