Managing European Forests Responsibly – for People, Climate and Nature
On the 5th of April a Conference Debate followed by the opening ceremony of an Exhibition (featured 4-7 April) took place in the European Parliament.
40% of EU land mass is covered with forests of which 30% belongs to the European States and is managed by State Forest Management Organizations. The functions of European forests are manifold and they deliver important economic, environmental and social values for the benefit of all Europeans and have an enormous potential to mitigate climate change.
Woody biomass from forests is the largest source of renewables in Europe and its share is expected to grow by 2020 and beyond. Woody biomass from sustainable sources plays an important role in replacing fossil energy. Increasing the use of biomass helps to diversify the EU’s energy supply and enhance energy security. Clearly, European forests significantly contribute towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, helping Europe to reach the new targets and measures set out in both the EU’s 2030 framework for climate and energy and in the Paris Agreement.
State forests are an important provider of raw materials for European forest-based industries. They deliver more than 120 mill m³ of timber and therefore make an essential contribution towards a competitive European bioeconomy.
By offering a substitute for fossil fuels and non-renewable raw materials, by creating more green jobs as well as making a contribution to the transition towards a more competitive bio-based European economy, European forests definitely have an important role to play in contributing to the three priorities of Europe’s 2020 Strategy − addressing smart, sustainable and inclusive growth − and contributing to the economic development of rural areas.
The high standards of sustainable forest management practiced by State Forest Management Organizations allow forest ecosystems to maintain a home for biodiversity and protect endangered species and help to achieve the targets of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020. They regulate and control changes in the climate by providing carbon sinks and carbon-neutral raw materials. European State Forest Management Organizations offer a significant number of ecosystem services and non‑material benefits for the well-being of the general society. The latter include creating and maintaining recreational areas open to the general public for hiking, wildlife observation and other outdoor activities.