Convinced that further international actionsare required in order to reinforce and strengthen the implementation of sustainable
forest management with the objective of guaranteeinga balanced and stable continuity of all economic, environmental, cultural
and social forest functions in Europe, the Ministers decided to establish an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee with
the mandate to develop a holistic legally binding agreement on forests in Europe.
The health and sustainability of Europe’s forests play an essential role in facingchallenges like climate change, biodiversity
protection and fresh water. Their vitality is also crucial to foster a green economy both in Europe and globally. The protection
and sustainable management of Europe’s forests require a stable and efficient platform for coherent policy development and
implementation.
This decision 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 in order to achieve a balanced and stable continuity
of all environmental, economic and social forest functions and contribute to the achievement of internationally agreed objectives.
Ministers have made this historical decision during the Oslo Ministerial Conference that was also attended by high-level representatives
from 42 FOREST EUROPE countries and the European Union, 6 non- European observer countries and 29 international organizations
including environmental and social NGOs, forest owners' associations, the forest industry and intergovernmental organizations
participating as observers.
The First session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Legally Binding Agreement on Forests in Europe is scheduled
to take place from 27th of February to the 2nd of March at the UN premises in Vienna, Austria.
