As economic activities, forest management and forest production are closely bound and dependent on nature. Both are vulnerable in the face of many natural disasters. The recent relatively frequent occurrence of storms, droughts and other unexpected phenomena are in part due to climate change. This underlines the growing need for highlighting the magnitude of the repercussions of these extreme conditions for the private forest owners in Europe. These include economic, social and environmental risks.

A devastating storm hit France and Spain in January 2009 causing huge damage to forests. The volume of fallen trees adds up to approximately 45 million cubic meters of wood, suddenly and unexpectedly placed on the market. Records of forest fire, especially in Mediterranean regions, are also frightening.  Some 100.000 ha of forests burned in southern Italy, Greece and Balkans in the autumn of 2007. Frequent fires destroy thousand of forest hectares each year across Europe. Spain, France and Portugal are often the worst hit countries.

The constantly increasing frequency of unexpected natural disaster can endanger the viability of forest owners’ livelihoods, in particular the very small holdings. Sufficient and instant measures need to be taken both by governments of the member states as well as on the European level in order to prevent the natural disasters and to aid the affected areas.

CEPF has taken the lead and established a working group on forest catastrophes to discuss the implications of and necessary measures to overcome future similar occurrences. The group will analyse the potential and possibilities for required measures when facing forest catastrophes such as storms, forest fires, droughts and insect diseases. The group will map the scope and opportunities for technical advice, financial support and management systems for the regeneration of affected areas. Building on the experiences from the previous storms in Sweden, Germany and France, CEPF will collect information on the desirable actions in case of the major forest related disasters.
 
The Klaus storm was the latest example to illustrate, that the coordination of actions on the European level is necessary. This would help to avoid situations where national efforts seriously affect neighbour countries. In case of Klaus storm damages measures undertaken by France had an impact on the forest sector in Spain. 

When forest destruction hits, time is of the essence. Technical advice on how to handle the processing of the affected stands, on how to conserve the quality of wood or prevent the spread out of insect damages is crucial.  The strategies for further actions need to accommodate the local conditions.

Based on existing experiences, CEPF will develop guidelines for a rapid response mechanism (RRM). This system indicates strategies for coordinated actions in support of affected forest owners. It will also involve regional and national governments as well as the EU. Sufficient and instant measures need to be taken by governments of the member states to aid the affected areas.

Often, financial assistance, rebuilding and investment aid are needed in order to secure the livelihood of extremely affected private forest owners
Finding the market for unexpected and sudden stocks of felled wood is always a challenge. Advice for acquiring economic assistance required for on the ground operations, as well as sufficient planning for future management and the activities on the affected areas, such as replanting, are needed. All this should be carried out to enable a quick return on investment as well.

Unlike many other sectors, forestry has no been until now accustomed to having insurance policies. Insurance packages for natural hazards such as storm, fire or snow damages in forest do exist in Scandinavia and Germany. The working group should collect and compile a comprehensive list of insurances available on the European market.

The group will also address the European Solidarity Fund in its the work. The Fund is designed to provide the member states with aid in the event of a major natural disaster. This can not, however, be applied to most of the forest catastrophes as they do not fulfil the economic impact requirements.

Further information, Morten Thorøe at morten.thoroe@cepf-eu.org