The Green Paper on options for European approaches to forest protection and information is a step forward in the right direction to integrate sustainable forest management into other EU legislation and processes. Although the competence for forest policy lies with the members states a number of substantial EU developments influence forestry significantly. The forest sector needs stronger political recognition and integrity within the EU. Recognition of the concept of sustainable forest management as such, could give guidance to other forest related policies and processes, such as United Nations conventions on climate change and biological diversity.
60 % of the forested area of Europe is owned by family forest owners. These owners are faced with many challenges, especially since they have no economies of scale. In the global race against the climate change and along with the consistent flow of new demands and strategies the forest owners must meet guaranteed fair conditions
“We are pleased that the Commission is focusing on forests protection. We share the desire to maintain healthy and resilience forests because they are key to maintaining integrity of biodiversity, carbon sequestration and productive capacity, on which our livelihood depends. If the Commission initiative can increase awareness on new challenges we must grasp this opportunity so that European forests can continue to deliver all their functions under changing climatic condition”
said Mr Morten Thoroe, Secretary General of CEPF
The Green Paper reflects on the possible future measures to protect EU forests but undoubtedly it opens a new political pathway in the EU forest policy. Therefore a comprehensive approach addressing in a balanced way multiply and interrelated social, economic and environmental functions is necessary Protection has been and remains a fundamental part of sustainable forest management. And none of above functions can be considered separately in the context of forest policy
Family forest owners’ has a long standing commitment to sustainable forest management to pursue the proper balance between economic, ecologic and social considerations
“It is imperative that further work on the Green Paper can not happen without the presence of the people with a direct connection to forests”
added Mr Thoroe.
A need for a comprehensive, harmonized approach as well as increased cooperation and strengthened institutional capacity of the forestry sector at both EU and national levels has become more apparent. A debate on a legal frame on forests in the pan-European region launched by the intergovernmental process the MCPFE/Forest Europe should also be considered in further course of action. And competence of the members states as well as national forest policies should remain as the basis of further development
For more information please contact:
Morten Thorøe, Secretary General, CEPF
morten.thoroe@cepf-eu.org, +32 2 239 23 05
Satu Lantiainen, Forest Coordinator, Bureau of Nordic Family Forestry
satu.lantiainen@nordicforestry.org, +32 476 212 176
Confederation of European private Forest Owners (CEPF) is the umbrella association of national forest owner organizations in the European Union. It works as the representative of family forestry by promoting the values of private property ownership and consolidating the concerns and proposals of 16 million family forest owners from 23 European countries. It targets its activities to all relevant Directorates General in theCommission, European Parliament and European Council, enabling family forest owners from the local level to voice their concerns and provide their knowledge to the European level
For more information on CEPF, visit www.cepf-eu.org
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