In Europe, it is recognised that the conservation of forest biodiversity is an essential component of sustainable forest management. FOREST EUROPE guidelines address conservation and the appropriate enhancement of biological diversity along with other forest-related objectives. FOREST EUROPE side event participants at the CBD conference (SBSTTA 14) will learn about the contributions of FOREST EUROPE and what it is doing to achieve the 2010 Biodiversity targets. Other important aspects, such as the existing and potential role of sustainable forest management to meet the 2010 target and post-2010 strategy will be highlighted and discussed.

To contribute to the celebrations of the International Year of Biodiversity, the pan-European forest policy process will among others also convene a side event at the CBD conference COP 10 in Nagoya, Japan in October.

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The participating experts will review national fire prevention systems, identify innovative strategies, best practices and policy instruments. It is also expected that the experts will develop policy conclusions and recommendations concerning the prevention of forest fires in Europe.

The meeting is an substantive part of FOREST EUROPE’s activities, contributing to the pan-European policy process for the sustainable management of the continent’s forests. It is attracting policy and decision makers, forest stakeholders, forest fire researchers and experts. FOREST EUROPE, in keeping with the commitments of the ministers at the Fifth Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe in 2007 is dedicated to the ongoing exploration of measures to prevent forest fires and their devastating effects, as well as to restore the economic, social and ecological potential of areas affected by forest fires.

The meeting is co-organised by FOREST EUROPE, the Hellenic Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Climate Change; Republic of Cyprus, Department of Forests; Union of South European Foresters (USSE); Silva Mediterranea Committee; and Team of Specialists on Forest Fires UNECE/FAO. It will be followed by a meeting of the European Commission’s Expert Group on Forest Fires.

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At the conference, participants discussed impacts and threats on forests, biodiversity, information as well as policy options, and the future of the EU forest strategy. Mr Lars Peder Brekk, Minister of Agriculture and Food of Norway and Mr Janusz Zaleski, Vice-Minister of Environment of Poland, were invited to address the audience in the opening session, which was chaired by Ms Elena Espinosa Managana, Minister of Environment, Rural and Marine affairs of Spain. The high-level representatives, which are all representing the General Coordinating Committee of FOREST EUROPE, highlighted the important achievements and ongoing work by FOREST EUROPE and their relevance for the discussions on forest protection and information within the European Union. 

Minister Lars Peder Brekk, who is also chairman of FOREST EUROPE, underlined the potential of Europe’s forests to be an essential part of solving climate change. Furthermore, he emphasised the need to adapt forests to changes in temperature, water supply and other factors affected by climate change. In order to benefit from forests’ possibilities and meet the challenges and threats, it will be necessary to join forces and strengthen cooperation in the entire FOREST EUROPE region, Mr Brekk emphasised. He suggested developing a shared vision and common goals for forests in Europe.and underlined that it is timely to work towards a legal framework on forests in the pan-European region to further enhance implementation of sustainable forest management.

In his presentation to the conference working group on policy options, Mr Arne Ivar Sletnes, Head of FOREST EUROPE Liaison Unit Oslo, informed about the role of FOREST EUROPE in forest protection and the priorities towards the upcoming FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference on 14-16 June 2011 in Oslo, Norway. He highlighted that the pan-European region has developed and endorsed the concept of sustainable forest management as a response to threats posed to forests and to ensure lasting provision of their multiple goods and services. He underlined that FOREST EUROPE and the EU have the same goals and challenges, and stressed the opportunities for synergies when working towards sustainable forest management, which includes forest protection.

In the jointly adopted declaration, the importance of the pan-European cooperation on sustainable forest management is recognised and the preparatory work for the upcoming FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference in June 2011 in Oslo is welcomed. Protection of forest is recognised as a part of sustainable forest management. To enhance forest protection in Europe, the declaration acknowledges the need for supporting actions which enable forests to provide lasting goods and services and to join forces to increase their quality and quantity. It is also recognised that sustainable forest management established within the FOREST EUROPE process is consistent with the ecosystem approach concept elaborated by the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Read the Speech of Lars Peder Brekk

Read the Green Paper on Forest Protection and Information

Read the Valsaín Declaration

 

These high-priority issues were agreed on by the signatory countries at the latest FOREST EUROPE Expert Level Meeting on 23-24 March in Oslo. In this context, the need to strengthen the European forest policy framework was addressed. The process will elaborate options to improve future cooperation work modalities and a possible legally binding agreement on forests in Europe. To meet global warming and expected extreme events such as storms, drought, pests and fires, it will be necessary to prepare forests and adapt forest management. Adequate information about threats to and developments of Europe’s forests is needed to undertake appropriate actions. European countries should strengthen political efforts and enhance implementation of sustainable forest management. As part of its future strategy, FOREST EUROPE is elaborating a common vision, goals and targets for forests in Europe, as well as supportive measures by countries.

The next FOREST EUROPE Expert Level Meeting is scheduled for 14-15 December 2010, where decisions directing to the Oslo Ministerial Conference will be taken. Several preparatory meetings will be arranged through 2010.

 

Scientific experts have established that healthy forests are necessary for preserving the world’s water. FOREST EUROPE’s policy decisions and instruments make a significant contribution to ensuring that Europe’s forests are well managed and thus help to preserve the planet’s water resources.

Research underlines that both the availability and quality of water are strongly influenced by forests. Forests stabilise soil and minimise erosion. They trap sediments and pollutants from higher lying land uses and help to protect lakes, water courses and rivers. Forests also influence both the timing and the amount of water available by intercepting precipitation, evaporating moisture from foliage, transpiring soil moisture, capturing fog water and maintaining soil infiltration. 

Climate change and its effects on forests and water

Climate change and ever increasing extremes of weather are now very much on the international agenda. Climate models from the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predict a significant decrease in rainfall in the Mediterranean basin while Central and Northern Europe can expect more rainfall during the winters. These in turn can result in landslides, flooding and droughts, phenomena that can be alleviated by sustainable forest management.

Research results demonstrate that proper maintenance and the restoration of damaged and degraded forest ecosystems can play a protective role and cushion the effects of climate change. Water protection is therefore a high-priority issue of the ongoing FOREST EUROPE work.

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