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A two-week intensive course on bio-economy and sustainable forest management to promote efficiency in the control and utilization of the country�s forest resources, has opened in Kumasi. The University of Eastern Finland (UEF)-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG) Graduate School is hosting the course, which has brought together forest managers, researchers, academicians and students. They are being assisted to upgrade their knowledge in bio-economy and sustainability issues as well as skills to manage the forest and its resources in a more business-like manner. The UEF, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and FORIG are jointly organizing the training programme. Topics to be discussed include �Introduction to bio-economy and sustainability�, �Ecosystems management�, �Forest landscape restoration�, �Watershed management� �Multiple use of forest resources�, �Strategy-based sustainable management� and �Forest pathology�. Dr Victor Agyeman, Director of FORIG, said it was important to assist provide forest managers with the requisite skills and competencies to protect not only the forest but other natural resources. Professor Ari Pappinen of the UEF, said bio-economy offered opportunity for paradigm change in forest resources management and sustainability. The collaboration between the UEF and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) through FORIG to train students in bio-economy and natural resources management at the graduate level is meant to produce the needed manpower to properly manage forest resources in Africa. Prof Pappinen said Ghana was the first African country to offer such course at the graduate level and urged the students to take advantage of the opportunity.