http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org RSS Highlights feed from FOREST EUROPE http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2012/./SBSTTA+16+adopts+recommendation+package+regarding+biodiversity%2C+climate+change+and+biofuels.b7C_wlbQ18.ips The Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) to the Convention of Biological Diversity convened its 16 meeting from 30 April to 5th may 2012 in Montreal, Canada. Mon, 14 May 2012 14:41:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2012/./SBSTTA+16+adopts+recommendation+package+regarding+biodiversity%2C+climate+change+and+biofuels.b7C_wlbQ18.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./FAO+launches+the+Global+Forest+Resources+Assessment+User+Survey.b7C_wlbQZL.ips FAO Forestry Department has launched the Global Forest Resources Assessment User Survey to better understand the needs of its users, as well as potential users of the data.The Global Forest Resources Assessments (FRA) are based on data that countries provide to FAO in response to a common questionnaire. FAO then compiles and analyses the information and presents the current status of the world’s forest resources and their changes over time. Thu, 10 May 2012 06:35:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./FAO+launches+the+Global+Forest+Resources+Assessment+User+Survey.b7C_wlbQZL.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./FOREST+EUROPE%2C+UNECE%2FFAO+Launch+Survey+on+the+State+of+Forests+Report.b7C_wlbQXJ.ips FOREST EUROPE (The Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe) and the UN Economic Commision for Europe/UN Food and Agriculture Organization (UNECE/FAO) have launched a survey on the State of Europe´s Forests 2011 to improve the process for the next assessment cycle. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./FOREST+EUROPE%2C+UNECE%2FFAO+Launch+Survey+on+the+State+of+Forests+Report.b7C_wlbQXJ.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./Bristol%2C+Copenhagen+and+Frankfurt%2C+finalists+for+the+2014+European+Green+Capital+Award.b7C_wlbO3a.ips The European Commission has announced that out of 18 applicants for the 2014 European Green Capital Award, the cities of Bristol, Copenhagen and Frankfurt have been named as finalists. An independent panel of experts proposed the finalists assessing the city that represents “the vanguard of environmentally friendly urban living,” addressing 12 different areas: climate change contributions; transport; sustainable land use; nature and biodiversity; air quality; noise pollution; waste production and management; water consumption and treatment; sustainable employment; environmental management; and energy performance. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:51:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./Bristol%2C+Copenhagen+and+Frankfurt%2C+finalists+for+the+2014+European+Green+Capital+Award.b7C_wlbO3a.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./Second+Stakeholder+Meeting+on+the+Action+Plan+for+the+Forest+Sector+in+a+Green+Economy.b7C_wlbO1-.ips The second stakeholder meeting for the preparation of an Action Plan for the Forest Sector in a Green Economy was held on the 26th of March 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting was organized by the UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section, in cooperation with UNEP. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 07:46:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./Second+Stakeholder+Meeting+on+the+Action+Plan+for+the+Forest+Sector+in+a+Green+Economy.b7C_wlbO1-.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./FOREST+EUROPE+and+UNECE%2FFAO+launch+interactive+database+on+indicators+of+sustainable+forest+manageme.b7C_wlbO09.ips A web-based resource tool based on the joint FOREST EUROPE/ECE/FAO State of Europe's Forests 2011 report has been released; containing the new unpublished data on forests, forest management and forest industry in the pan-European region. In addition to the English version, for the first time the database is available in Russian. Sun, 25 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./FOREST+EUROPE+and+UNECE%2FFAO+launch+interactive+database+on+indicators+of+sustainable+forest+manageme.b7C_wlbO09.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./Advisory+Group+and+EFI%E2%80%99s+C%26I+Project+Team+Meet+for+the+First+Time+in+Freiburg.b7C_wlbM5e.ips The Advisory Group and the EFI’s project team on “Implementing Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable” held their first meeting in Freiburg on the 22nd of March. The main objectives of the project are to a) analyze the implementation of C&I for Sustainable Forest management in the 46 signatory state of the FOREST EUROPE process and b) strengthen the process and the use of C&I, not only as a tool for monitoring and reporting, but also for policy making at national and European level. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:38:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./Advisory+Group+and+EFI%E2%80%99s+C%26I+Project+Team+Meet+for+the+First+Time+in+Freiburg.b7C_wlbM5e.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./EFI+releases+a+new+video+on+European+forests.b7C_wlbM4d.ips EFI has released a new multimedia video on European forests. Called “European Forests: Central to the World We Live in”, it gives an overall picture of Europe’s most versatile ecological infrastructure, tracing a path from south to north and from west to east. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:11:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./EFI+releases+a+new+video+on+European+forests.b7C_wlbM4d.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./Joint+statement+of+The+Montr%C3%A9al+Process%2C+FOREST+EUROPE%2C+International+Tropical+Timber+Organization+a.b7C_wlbM3c.ips In the 20 years since the United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development (UNCED) was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992, forests across the globe have constantly faced pressures of many kinds, such as continued deforestation and growing social demands for products and services. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:20:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./Joint+statement+of+The+Montr%C3%A9al+Process%2C+FOREST+EUROPE%2C+International+Tropical+Timber+Organization+a.b7C_wlbM3c.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./Technical+workshop+prepares+Global+Forest+Resources+Assessment+2015+in+Ispra.b7C_wlbM2b.ips A technical workshop for “Preparations for the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2015” was held on 12-16 March at the EC Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra, Italy. Representatives of several forest related institutions attended this meeting at the European Union's scientific and technical research laboratory, which provides advice and technical know-how to support EU policies. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:46:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./Technical+workshop+prepares+Global+Forest+Resources+Assessment+2015+in+Ispra.b7C_wlbM2b.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./Successful+First+Round+of+Forest+Negotiations+in+Vienna.b7C_wlbI2f.ips Vienna, 3 March 2012.- Organizers of the first Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee for a legally binding agreement on forests in Europe (INC1), held at the United Nations Offices in Vienna, Austria, from 27th February to 2nd March 2012, are pleased to announce that the meeting was a complete success. Sat, 03 Mar 2012 11:14:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./Successful+First+Round+of+Forest+Negotiations+in+Vienna.b7C_wlbI2f.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./FOREST+EUROPE+puts+into+operation+the+Oslo+Ministerial+Conference+decisions.b7C_wlbGXT.ips Madrid, 15 February 2012. The General Director of Rural Development and Forest Policy, Ms. Begoña Nieto Gilarte, opened FOREST EUROPE’s Expert Level Meeting (ELM) which was held in Madrid on the 14th and 15th of February in order to put into operation the Oslo Ministerial Conference decisions.This was the first event organized by the Spanish Co-chairmanship of the Ministerial Conference on Protection of Forest in Europe. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:16:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/./FOREST+EUROPE+puts+into+operation+the+Oslo+Ministerial+Conference+decisions.b7C_wlbGXT.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Looking+after+forests+and+responding+to+needs.9UFRLM0h.ips The Montreal Process, FOREST EUROPE, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in a joint workshop last week elaborated possibilities to better use existing information on forests to serve environmental and societal needs. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:16:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Looking+after+forests+and+responding+to+needs.9UFRLM0h.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Ministers+launch+negotiations+for+a+Legally+Binding+Agreement+on+Forests+in+Europe.9UFRHQWM.ips The protection and sustainable management of Europe’s forests requires a stable and efficient platform for coherent policy development and implementation. Therefore, European ministers responsible for forests made the historical decision yesterday to launch negotiations for a Legally Binding Agreement on Forests. They also adopted European 2020 Targets for forests. The decision was taken at the FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference, which has been convened on 14-16 June in Oslo, Norway. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:32:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Ministers+launch+negotiations+for+a+Legally+Binding+Agreement+on+Forests+in+Europe.9UFRHQWM.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Europe%27s+forests+can+combat+climate+change.9UFRHO3e.ips Europe is the most forest-rich region in the world. Its expanding forests have a huge potential to mitigate climate change. Sustainable forest management practices increasingly promote conservation of biodiversity. But, diseases and extreme weather conditions threaten forests. These are the results that derive from the State of Europe's Forests 2011 report, that was launched at the FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference in Oslo today (14 June). Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:41:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Europe%27s+forests+can+combat+climate+change.9UFRHO3e.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./FOREST+EUROPE+Ministerial+Conference+Oslo+2011+opened.9UFRHO2d.ips HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway today (14 June) officially opened the FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe in Oslo, Norway. At the conference in Oslo, ministers responsible for forests, as well as high-level representatives from 46 countries and the European Union meet to take decisions aimed at preserving forests and safeguarding their environmental, societal and economic benefits for present and future generations. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:42:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./FOREST+EUROPE+Ministerial+Conference+Oslo+2011+opened.9UFRHO2d.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./HRH+Crown+Prince+Haakon+to+FOREST+EUROPE.9UFRHMZT.ips HRH Crown Prince Haakon will attend the official opening ceremony at the FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference in Oslo on 14 June. Norway is hosting the conference. Ministers responsible for forests from 46 European countries and the European Union are invited to the conference. The opening will be webcasted. Thu, 26 May 2011 13:14:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./HRH+Crown+Prince+Haakon+to+FOREST+EUROPE.9UFRHMZT.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./International+Day+for+Biological+Diversity.9UFRHMXR.ips FOREST EUROPE on occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May underlined that its work pays a major role in preserving diversity. In Europe, forest management practices increasingly promote conservation and enhancement of biodiversity and the policies and tools of FOREST EUROPE play an important part in combating global biodiversity loss. Sun, 22 May 2011 21:25:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./International+Day+for+Biological+Diversity.9UFRHMXR.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./FOREST+EUROPE+in+the+Run-up+to+Ministerial+Conference+Oslo+2011.9UFRDW34.ips FOREST EUROPE is preparing documents for the forthcoming Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe in June in Oslo, Norway. The representatives of the FOREST EUROPE countries and the European Union at the Expert Level Meeting on 31 March adopted draft documents to be presented for decision by the Ministerial Conference. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:16:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./FOREST+EUROPE+in+the+Run-up+to+Ministerial+Conference+Oslo+2011.9UFRDW34.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Sustainable+Decisions+for+Growth+and+Diversity.9UFRDW12.ips FOREST EUROPE experts prepare the ground for the forthcoming Ministerial Conference in Oslo 2011 when they are meeting on 30-31 March in Oslo, Norway. The Expert Level Meeting represents the final step in the preparation for the FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe on 14-16 June in the Norwegian capital, Oslo. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:55:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Sustainable+Decisions+for+Growth+and+Diversity.9UFRDW12.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Celebrating+Forests+%E2%80%93+Source+of+the+Water+of+Life.9UFRDSXH.ips The many benefits that forests provide, including their role in providing clean water, are being celebrated across Europe today and tomorrow - World Forest Day and World Water Day (March 21 and 22). On this occasion, FOREST EUROPE is highlighting the need for sustainable management and protection of forests to preserve their benefits, including for water resources. Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:29:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Celebrating+Forests+%E2%80%93+Source+of+the+Water+of+Life.9UFRDSXH.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Integrating+Environmental%2C+Social+and+Economic+Values+of+Forests.9UFRDQ3-.ips Japan has initiated a Country-Led Initiative in support of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) to identify challenges of sustainable forest management and what needs to be done to integrate environmental, social and economic values of forests. FOREST EUROPE is co-organising the international seminar, which is being convened 8-10 March in Tokyo, Japan. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:21:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Integrating+Environmental%2C+Social+and+Economic+Values+of+Forests.9UFRDQ3-.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Crown+Prince+Haakon+opens+the+FOREST+EUROPE+Photo+Exhibition+in+Oslo.9UFRDQ29.ips Crown Prince Haakon of Norway participated in the national launch of the International Year of Forests, at the Nordic Ski Championship Holmenkollen 2011 in Oslo, Norway. On this occasion he also took part in the opening of the FOREST EUROPE photo exhibition. Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:11:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Crown+Prince+Haakon+opens+the+FOREST+EUROPE+Photo+Exhibition+in+Oslo.9UFRDQ29.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Taking+Action+for+Our+Forests.9UFRDQWI.ips Today, the UN is launching the International Year of Forests at their Headquarters in New York, to raise awareness of sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. The FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference in June 2011 in the Norwegian capital Oslo represents a major European contribution to this important global initiative. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:49:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2011/./Taking+Action+for+Our+Forests.9UFRDQWI.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Fine-tuning+Plans+for+Ministerial+Conference+Oslo+2011.9UFRDM1a.ips Representatives from FOREST EUROPE’s signatory countries are meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on 14-15 December 2010 to discuss the vital issues that will be raised at the FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe scheduled for June 2011 in Oslo, Norway. Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:45:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Fine-tuning+Plans+for+Ministerial+Conference+Oslo+2011.9UFRDM1a.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./FOREST+EUROPE+Newsletter%3A+Latest+News+and+Events.9UFRDM0_.ips The recent issue of the FOREST EUROPE newsletter informs on the preparations for the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe next June, in the International Year of Forests 2011. It also highlights the new 2020 Biodiversity Targets and FOREST EUROPE work on forest biodiversity. Readers will furthermore be updated on new communications tools. Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:18:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./FOREST+EUROPE+Newsletter%3A+Latest+News+and+Events.9UFRDM0_.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Preparing+options+for+a+decision+on+a+possible+legally+binding+agreement+finalised.9UFRDMYO.ips The FOREST EUROPE Working Group on preparing options for a decision on a possible legally binding agreement on forests in Europe has finalised its tasks. The documents prepared have been distributed to the countries for national consultations. Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:47:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Preparing+options+for+a+decision+on+a+possible+legally+binding+agreement+finalised.9UFRDMYO.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./New+Brochure+on+Sustainable+Wood+Mobilisation.9UFRDMXN.ips FOREST EUROPE has recently published the brochure “Good practice guidance on sustainable mobilisation of wood in Europe”. It highlights and gives an overview of the substantial potential for increased wood mobilisation in Europe. Currently two thirds of the annual growth in the forests is harvested. More wood can be mobilised sustainably from the forests. Wed, 17 Nov 2010 15:41:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./New+Brochure+on+Sustainable+Wood+Mobilisation.9UFRDMXN.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Fostering+Biodiversity+Conservation.9UFRDK4f.ips The FOREST EUROPE policies play an important role in combating global biodiversity loss. These are the findings of a recently completed assessment, which has been carried out in relation to the 10TH Conference of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which is taking place until 29 October in Nagoya, Japan. Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:23:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Fostering+Biodiversity+Conservation.9UFRDK4f.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Non-paper+for+consultation+of+a+legally+binding+agreement+on+forests+in+Europe.9UFRDK3e.ips At the next FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference on 14-16 June 2011 in the Norwegian capital Oslo, it is expected that ministers will consider a decision whether to enter into negotiations on a legal agreement on forests in the pan-European region. A Non-paper with example elements has been elaborated to allow countries full consideration. Wed, 27 Oct 2010 07:05:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Non-paper+for+consultation+of+a+legally+binding+agreement+on+forests+in+Europe.9UFRDK3e.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Discussing+draft+decision+on+negotiating+a+Legally+Binding+Forest+Agreement.9UFRDKZR.ips The FOREST EUROPE Working Group on preparing options for a decision on a possible legally binding agreement on forests in Europe meets on 30 September - 1 October 2010 in Rome, Italy. A draft ministerial decision and a possible negotiation process will be in focus of the discussion. Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:54:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Discussing+draft+decision+on+negotiating+a+Legally+Binding+Forest+Agreement.9UFRDKZR.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Working+for+Healthy+Forests+in+Europe.9UFRDI0d.ips In exactly 365 days, ministers and high level representatives responsible for the forests of all 46 European countries and the EU are invited to Oslo for the 6th FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference to take decisions that affect the well-being of people and the environment both within and beyond their borders. The conference is being held in the Norwegian capital from 14-16 June 2011. Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:44:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Working+for+Healthy+Forests+in+Europe.9UFRDI0d.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Enriching+Forest+Biodiversity.9UFRvGWE.ips FOREST EUROPE’s tools for sustainable forest management contribute substantially to the achievement of the 2010 Biodiversity Target. To enhance knowledge about these instruments, the policy process will convene a side event on 14 May 2010 at the CBD Biodiversity Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. Wed, 12 May 2010 22:03:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Enriching+Forest+Biodiversity.9UFRvGWE.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Forest+Fire+Prevention+in+Europe.9UFRrY2J.ips Forest fires are a serious threat to forests and human health. Due to climate change, forest fires are forecasted to increase in particular in Southern Europe. Experts will gather in Rhodes, Greece on 4-6 May 2010 to discuss innovative fire preventive measures. The meeting is an integral part of FOREST EUROPE’s activities. Tue, 04 May 2010 10:47:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Forest+Fire+Prevention+in+Europe.9UFRrY2J.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Strengthening+Forest+Protection.9UFRrUZp.ips A Conference on Forest Protection in Europe was jointly organised by the European Commission and the Spanish Presidency of the EU on 6-7 April in Segovia, Spain. FOREST EUROPE joined the debate on a Green Paper on Forest Protection and Information, published by the Commission on 1st of March. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:01:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Strengthening+Forest+Protection.9UFRrUZp.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./FOREST+EUROPE+Ministerial+Conference+Oslo+2011.9UFRrS5S.ips Europe’s forests are vital to solve climate change challenges and foster a green economy. Political decisions to preserve forests and safeguard lasting provision of their environmental, economic and societal benefits will be in focus at the upcoming FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference. It will be convened on 14-16 June 2011 in Oslo, Norway. Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:58:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./FOREST+EUROPE+Ministerial+Conference+Oslo+2011.9UFRrS5S.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Europe%27s+Forests+-+a+Source+of+Freshwater.9UFRrS1O.ips Good quality fresh water is one of our most precious and increasingly scarce global resources. On the occasion of today’s celebration of World Water Day, FOREST EUROPE, the European ministerial forest policy process, underlines that healthy forests are vital for maintaining quality of water. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:48:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Europe%27s+Forests+-+a+Source+of+Freshwater.9UFRrS1O.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Preparing+Non-paper+on+a+Legally+Binding+Forest+Agreement.9UFRrS0N.ips FOREST EUROPE has entered the stage of preparing options for decision by ministers on a possible legally binding agreement on forests in Europe. The forest policy process has established a working group which has started developing a non-paper. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:38:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2010/./Preparing+Non-paper+on+a+Legally+Binding+Forest+Agreement.9UFRrS0N.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Sustainable+Forest+Management+crucial+for+Climate-Change+Mitigation.9UFRrQ2R.ips FOREST EUROPE, previously known as MCPFE, has underscored the crucial role of Europe’s forests, particularly as a mitigating factor in climate change, during its Expert Level Meeting (November 24-25). A legally binding agreement on forests in Europe is considered as one option for strengthening cooperation on forests throughout Europe. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:35:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Sustainable+Forest+Management+crucial+for+Climate-Change+Mitigation.9UFRrQ2R.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Growing+Opportunities%3A+Europe%27s+Forests+to+Combat+Climate+Change.9UFRrQZt.ips The Norwegian Minister of Agriculture and Food, Lars Peder Brekk, today opened the international Expert Level Meeting of the Ministerial Conference for the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE) in Oslo, Norway. Europe’s forests provide opportunities which can strengthen climate work even more. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:20:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Growing+Opportunities%3A+Europe%27s+Forests+to+Combat+Climate+Change.9UFRrQZt.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Forests+for+the+Future%3A+Sustaining+Society+and+the+Environment.9UFRrQXr.ips Human well-being is highly dependent on the world's forests. Among many other benefits, forests provide fuel, building materials and foods. Trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen; protect against erosion; influence local and global climate. Many medicines are derived from forest plants. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:37:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Forests+for+the+Future%3A+Sustaining+Society+and+the+Environment.9UFRrQXr.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Recommendations+Regarding+a+Legally+Binding+Agreement+Completed.9UFRrQWq.ips The MCPFE Working Group on exploring the potential added value of and possible options for a legally binding agreement on forests in the pan-European region has finalised its work. The final report is now completed and comprises recommendations for further proceeding. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:04:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Recommendations+Regarding+a+Legally+Binding+Agreement+Completed.9UFRrQWq.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./MCPFE+with+new+Information+Services.9UFRrO5W.ips The Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE) is extending its information services. The relaunched website www.mcpfe.org provides expanded features, content and information on forest policy and sustainable forest management in Europe. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:46:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./MCPFE+with+new+Information+Services.9UFRrO5W.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Forests+and+Water+side+event+at+the+World+Forestry+Congress.9UFRrO3U.ips The topic "Forests and Water" features prominently on the agenda of the forthcoming World Forestry Congress in Buenos Aires. As a follow-up activity of the MCPFE Workshop on Forests and Water in Antalya, May 2009, the MCPFE is, together with FAO and other partners, co-organiser for a side event on “Forests and Water, The challenges of cross-sectoral cooperation”. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:12:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Forests+and+Water+side+event+at+the+World+Forestry+Congress.9UFRrO3U.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Finalising+Recommendations+Regarding+a+Legally+Binding+Agreement.9UFRrO2T.ips The fourth meeting of the MCPFE Working Group on exploring the potential added value of and possible options for a legally binding agreement on forests in the pan-European region will take place on 7 October 2009 in Brussels, Belgium. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:19:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Finalising+Recommendations+Regarding+a+Legally+Binding+Agreement.9UFRrO2T.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Forests+and+Climate+Change.9UFRnU0H.ips The government of Norway and the MCPFE Liaison Unit Oslo convened a side event on sustainable forest management and approaches to mitigation and adaptation during the UNFCCC climate change negotiations in June 2009, in Bonn, Germany. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:39:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Forests+and+Climate+Change.9UFRnU0H.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Sustainability+Criteria+for+Forest+Biomass+Production.9UFRnUZl.ips The MCPFE Working Group on “sustainability criteria” for forest biomass production, including bioenergy, has assessed the applicability and potential need for update of the MCPFE tools for sustainable forest management in relation to new demands. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:26:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Sustainability+Criteria+for+Forest+Biomass+Production.9UFRnUZl.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Mobilising+Wood+Resources.9UFRnUYk.ips An MCPFE workshop on strategies for increased mobilisation of wood resources from sustainable sources was held on 16-18 June 2009 in Grenoble, France. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:20:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Mobilising+Wood+Resources.9UFRnUYk.ips http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Growing+the+Future+of+Europe%27s+Forests.9UFRnUXj.ips The third meeting of the MCPFE Working Group on exploring the potential added value of and possible options for a legally binding agreement on forests in the pan-European region took place on 1-2 September 2009 in Rome, Italy. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:21:00 GMT http://www.foresteurope.org/foresteurope.org/eng/Press/News/2009/./Growing+the+Future+of+Europe%27s+Forests.9UFRnUXj.ips