The majority of the European citizens perceive that the area of forests is decreasing in their respective countries. Forests are mainly associated with the home of natural habitats and something that is of worth in pursuing leisure activities. The appreciation for productive functions of forests has never been extensive, but has been alarmingly declining even more in the last decade.

According to a recent study EU citizens consider “conservation and protection” by far the most important topic when it comes to forests.  A report by European Commission’s DG Agriculture and Rural Development showed that the European public is worried about the condition of forests. Moreover, a significant majority of citizens believes the forested area to be decreasing in their respective countries. This showed a clear gap between public perception and what the foresters’ understanding of it is.

The study showed that environmental issues, forest health, pollution and climate change are key concerns regarding European forestry. The European public places higher value on forest conservation and forests’ protective functions than on forest utilisation. The preservation of biodiversity is perceived as one of the most important roles that forest can play. The appreciation for productive functions of forests has never been extensive, but has been dramatically declining even more in the last decade.

When looking for the reasons behind this, it may be worth to keep in mind that today’s public perception on European forests is based on diverse sets of information, including the communication on worldwide forestry issues. Neither the state of nor the functions of European forests can no longer be viewed in isolation. The global situation, particularly the frightening news on deforestation rates has become an integral part of the “whole picture”. The importance and the need for regarding communication activities as a part of the foresters’ everyday work have became more evident in the recent years.

CEPF welcomes the EU initiative on a communication strategy on forests and forestry as the main step to be taken to improve people’s understanding of sustainable forest management as a source of multiple benefits. The input of private forest owners, standing at the practical end of what forests provide for the public, can give needed robustness for the joint communications efforts of the European forest sector.

In Europe more forests grows than is harvested. Forests provide a wide range of products and ecosystem services that enrich our lives and the environment in many ways. At the same time, Europe’s forests are producing an increasing amount of renewable, reliable raw material for building, energy, paper, furniture and countless other everyday uses. There has never been a better time to increase the awareness of the positive state of European forests and their role in addressing climate change effectively. 

The development of a communication strategy is based on the EU Forest Action Plan. It will be carried out by the Standing Forestry Committee ad hoc working group, with active participation by the Member States, The UNECE/FAO Forest Communicators Network as well as various stakeholders. CEPF indents to be active in the further work on this issue as family forestry has been and remains a fundamental part of the positive image about European forests.

Please see also the Commission’s study: "Shaping forest communication in the European Union: public perceptions of forests and forestry"