International Conference and Exhibition on the Art and Joy of Wood - Rediscovering Wood: The Key to a Sustainable Future is one of the many global events celebrating the International Year of Forests. It was held at the J N Tata Auditorium Complex located at the Indian Institute of Sciences campus in Bangalore, India on 19-22 October 2011. 

This conference and exhibition are hosted by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests and organized by the Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training Institute and Indian Forest Research Institute, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, International Wood Culture Society and International Union of Forest Research Organizations.

Mr. PJ Kumar, official representative for the Indian Ministry of Environment, Mr. SC Joshi, official representative for the Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Mr. Michael Martin, Director of the FAO Forestry Department, and Mr. Howard Rosen, Vice President of the International Wood Culture Society collaborated on the opening ceremony. The overall aim of the conference is to help participants understand the outlook for wood products and develop strategies for future development.

The conference is three days long and organized around three main themes: What are the main trends affecting wood use and how can these be utilized to strengthen the forest products sector? Case studies showing how some wood producers and users have already developed strategies or innovated to build successful enterprises based on changing consumer demands and needs. How can the linkages between wood use and sustainable development be strengthened and used to promote more and higher-value wood use? 

Based around the overall theme of the art and joy of wood, this conference included themed speeches, group presentations, plenary sessions, and student sessions. 61 international academic presentations and 9 student presentations were given. A total of 41 delegates from 14 countries attended to the conference on behalf of International Wood Culture Society. 18 presentations were given during the conference.

Another highlight of the conference is the exhibition area of international craftsmanship outside the meeting area. International Wood Culture Society invited six artisans to show their extraordinary skills to the delegates. The six artisans are from Turkey, Japan, Indonesia, Cameroon and Taiwan. They drew an audience by showing outstanding woodcarvings, wood sculptures, tenon joint structures and Noh-masks. Each artisan has their own unique style. Exhibitors and artisans from India also displayed arts and crafts with strong regional styles at the exhibition hall.

During the conference, the delegates visited the laboratory and offices of the Indian Institute of Technology. They were able to enjoy the beautiful melodies of wood instruments and visited the toy manufacturer and the Sandal soap refinery factories.    

2011 is the International Year of Forests. While improving global environment with the climate change, forests have been given a new meaning and responsibility. Wood is the best gift as an ecological material that nature has provided to mankind. It sustains forest management and is in harmony with human civilization that has played a positive role recognized by governments around the world. The purpose of the conference is to discuss how to make more positive contributions for sustainable development and how wood producers and users can benefit from a growing economy and demands for a more sustainable consumption and lifestyle.

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Art and Joy of Wood - Conference Record

Art and Joy of Wood - Exhibition Area and Field Tirp

By Chen Yao, Su Jin-lin