During a recent Expert Level Meeting, the Network of European Regions for Innovation in Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ERIAFF) was accepted as an Observer to the FOREST EUROPE process.

ERIAFF brings together regions from across Europe with a strong mandate in agriculture, food systems and forestry. Its participation as an Observer adds a regional dimension to the policy dialogue, reflecting practical experience from forested areas across the continent.

“We have worked towards this over the past year and are very pleased. This is an important step for strengthening regional influence in European forest policy, as well as for enhancing cooperation between national and regional actors in one of Europe’s most strategic areas,” says Gölin Carina Christiansen, Senior Policy Advisor at North Sweden European Office and one of the coordinators of the ERIAFF Forestry Working Group, together with Alvaro Picardo (Spain) and Tiina Pakkari (Finland).

A regional perspective on forest realities

Forested regions across Europe share common features, including close proximity to forest resources, forest owners and local economies. At the same time, forest conditions vary significantly between and within countries, giving regions a detailed understanding of diverse forest types and management challenges.

“I hope that we from our perspective can contribute to the common understanding of the realities of forests, and its people,” Gölin Carina Christiansen adds.

ERIAFF also highlights structural challenges relevant across Europe, such as the situation of small-scale forest owners. Many face economic barriers to active forest management, which in some regions contributes to abandoned forests, increasing risks of wildfires and pests. Strengthening knowledge, management capacity and economic viability at regional level is therefore seen as essential for resilient forest landscapes and sustainable rural development.