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Ministerial Conferences

Ministerial conferences represent the most important events of the FOREST EUROPE work on sustainable forest management and related issues. At ministerial conferences the ministers responsible for forests in Europe take decisions on issues of highest political and social relevance regarding forests and forestry. Ministerial Conferences on the Protection of Forests in Europe took place in 1990 in Strasbourg, in 1993 in Helsinki, in 1998 in Lisbon, in 2003 in Vienna and in 2007 in Warsaw.

 

Oslo 2011

EUROPEAN 2020 TARGETS FOR FORESTS AND LAUNCHING NEGOTIATIONS FOR A LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT

The latest FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe was convened on 14-16 June 2011 in Oslo, Norway. At the Conference, ministers responsible for forests in Europe adopted European 2020 Targets for the protection and sustainable management of forests. Moreover, ministers took a historical decision and launched negotiations on a Legally Binding Agreement on Forests in Europe. The decisions represent a major European contribution to the International Year of Forests 2011.

The health and sustainability of Europe’s forests play an essential role in solving challenges like climate change, biodiversity protection and fresh water. Their vitality is also crucial to foster a green economy both in Europe and globally. Protection and sustainable management of Europe’s forests require a stable and efficient platform for coherent policy development and implementation. Therefore, European ministers responsible for forests and the European Union made an historical decision at the FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference  in Oslo and  launched negotiations for a Legally Binding Agreement on Forests in Europe. They also adopted European 2020 Targets for forests.

The decision by ministers to go ahead with the negotiations towards a Legally Binding Agreement on Forests represents a major step towards creating the necessary structure for a coherent approach to the continent’s forests. A strengthened political cooperation in Europe will be vital to achieve a balanced and stable continuity of all environmental, economic and social forest functions and contribute to the achievement of international agreed objectives.

As part of the future FOREST EUROPE strategy, ministers agreed on European 2020 Targets for forests. This decision comprises strategic goals, measurable targets and priority actions at national and international level to enhance sustainable forest management. It also prepares the ground for increased recognition of the role of forests and their sustainable management in a future, sustainable, low carbon economy.

The decisions taken by the ministers will further enhance Europe’s concrete contribution to the International Year of Forests 2011, and highlight the pivotal role of forests for human well-being.

At the Ministerial Conference, Spain took over the chairmanship from Norway.

The conference in Oslo was attended by ministers and high-level representatives from 42 FOREST EUROPE countries and the European Union. 6 observer countries from outside Europe and 29 international organisations including environmental and social NGOs, forest owners' associations, the forest industry and intergovernmental organisations participated as observers.

For more information about the FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference Oslo 2011 visit www.foresteurope.org/conference2011.