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What we work for

The ministers responsible for forests in Europe have developed common principles, criteria and guidelines for sustainable forest management. The political declarations and concrete actions have established a solid ground for growth and diversity in today’s forests. Forests cover 44 percent of Europe’s land area and they continue to expand. Europe's forests represent 25 per cent of the world’s forest resources.

Forests, sustainable forest management and wood products play a vital role in climate change mitigation. Growing forests sequester carbon, while wood products continue to store carbon through their life time. Wood is an important source of renewable energy, and can be a substitute for energy-intensive materials with higher greenhouse gas emissions. The FOREST EUROPE policy and tools aim to strengthen the contributions by forests in combating climate change.

Wood products and bioenergy from forests can play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Society's growing need for renewable materials requires the enhanced supply of wood. All wood production should be based on the principles of sustainability. The FOREST EUROPE policy and tools for sustainable forest management ensure that wood and timber products come from sustainable sources.

Forests have a close relationship with our water resources. Sustainable forest management is of vital importance for the supply of good-quality fresh water, protection from natural hazards like floods or soil erosion, and for combating desertification. Ten percent of European forests are designated primarily for the protection of soil and water.

Biodiversity reflects the manifold forms of life. The guidelines for sustainable forest management promote the conservation and enhancement of biological diversity in woodlands, e.g., through increased natural regeneration and more mixed species stands. Through its work, FOREST EUROPE contributes substantially to the achievement of the 2010 Biodiversity Target.

Through its work, FOREST EUROPE aims at ensuring benefits for society and the environment - both in the European region and across the globe. Sustainable forest management in Europe contributes significantly to the achievement of internationally agreed goals. FOREST EUROPE plays an important role in the international forest policy dialogue by ensuring continued cooperation and developing strong partnerships.

The political commitments of the participating FOREST EUROPE countries have advanced development of national forest policy and resulted in implementation of sustainable forest management throughout the continent. But new challenges like climate change need robust forest policies. A legally binding agreement on forests in Europe is considered as one option for addressing challenges and strengthening cooperation on forests throughout Europe.

About FOREST EUROPE

FOREST EUROPE (The Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe) is the pan-European policy process for the sustainable management of the continent's forests. FOREST EUROPE develops common strategies for its 46 member countries and the European Union on how to protect and sustainably manage forests. Several non-European countries and international organisations participate as observers. Founded in 1990, the work of FOREST EUROPE has been of great economic, environmental and social importance at the national and international level.

Highlights

2010/06/14

Working for Healthy Forests in Europe

In exactly 365 days, ministers and high level representatives responsible for the forests of all 46 European countries and the EU are invited to Oslo for the 6th FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference to take decisions that affect the well-being of people and the environment both within and beyond their borders. The conference is being held in the Norwegian capital from 14-16 June 2011.

2010/05/13

Enriching Forest Biodiversity

FOREST EUROPE’s tools for sustainable forest management contribute substantially to the achievement of the 2010 Biodiversity Target. To enhance knowledge about these instruments, the policy process will convene a side event on 14 May 2010 at the CBD Biodiversity Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.

2010/05/04

Forest Fire Prevention in Europe

Forest fires are a serious threat to forests and human health. Due to climate change, forest fires are forecasted to increase in particular in Southern Europe. Experts will gather in Rhodes, Greece on 4-6 May 2010 to discuss innovative fire preventive measures. The meeting is an integral part of FOREST EUROPE’s activities.

2010/04/16

Strengthening Forest Protection

A Conference on Forest Protection in Europe was jointly organised by the European Commission and the Spanish Presidency of the EU on 6-7 April in Segovia, Spain. FOREST EUROPE joined the debate on a Green Paper on Forest Protection and Information, published by the Commission on 1st of March.

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Programmes, reports and outcome from all FOREST EUROPE activities