Morten Thorøe, CEPF Secretary General, called for coherent and holistic approach on an integrated EU forestry strategy. Only through sustainable forest management can we protect forests and all their functions, including amenity values as well as the supply of freshwater and biodiversity. Giving forests this extended role could be a way to fulfill one of the main objectives of the EU2020 strategy – the green economy.

The future of a EU forestry strategy was discussed in the European Parliament on 29th of June 2010. MEP Gaston Franco opened the debate on the Green Paper on forest protection and information, addressing the conference on “Towards an integrated EU forestry strategy”.

CEPF Secretary General Morten Thorøe presented the forest owners’ views on what should be done at EU level. We must achieve a holistic approach towards the forestry sector. As stressed by many countries in the discussion, sustainable forest management is the foundation of any discussion about future of Europe’s forests. Forest protection is an integral part of it. Any further policy development has to focus on the protection of forests in broad terms and provide a coherent framework for the European forest sector and forestry.
Morten Thorøe urged for more appreciation for the importance of the sector. This contains not only the intrinsic values as biodiversity or landscape, but also its potential in the new green economy. Only when appropriate framework conditions are provided, can the forestry sector fulfill its key role in meeting current challenges.
 
A need for a comprehensive, harmonized approach as well as increased cooperation and strengthened institutional capacity were mentioned in support of the FOREST EUROPE initiative for a legal frame on forests in the pan-European region. So far, regional consensus on the definition of sustainable forestry management is seen as the main achievement. There are certain additional synergies between the EU and the FOREST EUROPE work as well.  FORETS EUROPE has a long history in fostering and strengthening EU Forest Strategy objectives and objectives of other sectoral policies in support if green public procurement and renewable energy.
Balancing possibly emerging conflicts between various forest functions is a challenge for both processes. This may include the growing demand for wood biomass for renewable energy, biodiversity as well as adaptation to climate change.

The meeting was organised by MEP Gaston Franco, chair of the subgroup “Forestry” of the Intergroup “Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development”. The event supported a debate on the Commission Green Paper on forest protection and information, being available for a public consultation until 31st of July.

Outcome of the meeting will be soon posted at Commission website.