At the conference, participants discussed impacts and threats on forests, biodiversity, information as well as policy options, and the future of the EU forest strategy. Mr Lars Peder Brekk, Minister of Agriculture and Food of Norway and Mr Janusz Zaleski, Vice-Minister of Environment of Poland, were invited to address the audience in the opening session, which was chaired by Ms Elena Espinosa Managana, Minister of Environment, Rural and Marine affairs of Spain. The high-level representatives, which are all representing the General Coordinating Committee of FOREST EUROPE, highlighted the important achievements and ongoing work by FOREST EUROPE and their relevance for the discussions on forest protection and information within the European Union.
Minister Lars Peder Brekk, who is also chairman of FOREST EUROPE, underlined the potential of Europe’s forests to be an essential part of solving climate change. Furthermore, he emphasised the need to adapt forests to changes in temperature, water supply and other factors affected by climate change. In order to benefit from forests’ possibilities and meet the challenges and threats, it will be necessary to join forces and strengthen cooperation in the entire FOREST EUROPE region, Mr Brekk emphasised. He suggested developing a shared vision and common goals for forests in Europe.and underlined that it is timely to work towards a legal framework on forests in the pan-European region to further enhance implementation of sustainable forest management.
In his presentation to the conference working group on policy options, Mr Arne Ivar Sletnes, Head of FOREST EUROPE Liaison Unit Oslo, informed about the role of FOREST EUROPE in forest protection and the priorities towards the upcoming FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference on 14-16 June 2011 in Oslo, Norway. He highlighted that the pan-European region has developed and endorsed the concept of sustainable forest management as a response to threats posed to forests and to ensure lasting provision of their multiple goods and services. He underlined that FOREST EUROPE and the EU have the same goals and challenges, and stressed the opportunities for synergies when working towards sustainable forest management, which includes forest protection.
In the jointly adopted declaration, the importance of the pan-European cooperation on sustainable forest management is recognised and the preparatory work for the upcoming FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference in June 2011 in Oslo is welcomed. Protection of forest is recognised as a part of sustainable forest management. To enhance forest protection in Europe, the declaration acknowledges the need for supporting actions which enable forests to provide lasting goods and services and to join forces to increase their quality and quantity. It is also recognised that sustainable forest management established within the FOREST EUROPE process is consistent with the ecosystem approach concept elaborated by the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Read the Speech of Lars Peder Brekk
Read the Green Paper on Forest Protection and Information
