The ministers responsible for forests in Europe have developed common principles, criteria and guidelines for sustainable forest management. The political declarations and concrete actions have established a solid ground for growth and diversity in today’s forests. Forests cover 44 percent of Europe’s land area and they continue to expand. Europe's forests represent 25 per cent of the world’s forest resources.
Forests, sustainable forest management and wood products play a vital role in climate change mitigation. Growing forests sequester carbon, while wood products continue to store carbon through their life time. Wood is an important source of renewable energy, and can be a substitute for energy-intensive materials with higher greenhouse gas emissions. The FOREST EUROPE policy and tools aim to strengthen the contributions by forests in combating climate change.
Wood products and bioenergy from forests can play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Society's growing need for renewable materials requires the enhanced supply of wood. All wood production should be based on the principles of sustainability. The FOREST EUROPE policy and tools for sustainable forest management ensure that wood and timber products come from sustainable sources.
Forests have a close relationship with our water resources. Sustainable forest management is of vital importance for the supply of good-quality fresh water, protection from natural hazards like floods or soil erosion, and for combating desertification. Ten percent of European forests are designated primarily for the protection of soil and water.
Biodiversity reflects the manifold forms of life. The guidelines for sustainable forest management promote the conservation and enhancement of biological diversity in woodlands, e.g., through increased natural regeneration and more mixed species stands. Through its work, FOREST EUROPE contributes substantially to the achievement of the 2020 Biodiversity Target.
Through its work, FOREST EUROPE aims at ensuring benefits for society and the environment - both in the European region and across the globe. Sustainable forest management in Europe contributes significantly to the achievement of internationally agreed goals. FOREST EUROPE plays an important role in the international forest policy dialogue by ensuring continued cooperation and developing strong partnerships.
At the FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe, which took place from 14-16 June in Oslo, Norway, the Ministers responsible for forests in Europe made an historical decision: They signed a mandate for negotiating a Legally Binding Agreement on Forests in Europe.
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