Key outcomes of the 9th Ministerial Conference – Shaping our future with resilient forests

The 9th Ministerial Conference of FOREST EUROPE, held on October 1st and 2nd near Bonn, gathered more than 160 delegates from 34 European countries, the European Commission, Australia and 24 observer organizations. This diverse group came together with a shared mission: to shape the future of Sustainable Forest Management. In the face of growing environmental challenges, the conference marked a pivotal moment in strengthening Europe’s commitment to protecting and managing its forests for future generations.  

A warm welcome and reflections on progress
The event opened with a warm welcome from Germany’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, who served as master of ceremonies on the first day. Özdemir highlighted the milestones achieved under the German Chairmanship of FOREST EUROPE over the past four years, setting the tone for what was to come. He acknowledged the hard work of all the involved nations and stressed the importance of continued collaboration to tackle the pressing challenges facing Europe’s forests. On the second day, Bernt Farcke, General Director of the Ministry, took the helm as master of ceremonies and gracefully concluded the event, underscoring the joint efforts that had led to numerous accomplishments during the conference. 

A major step forward: The establishment of the FoRISK facility
One of the key achievements from the conference was the decision to establish FoRISK, a new collaborative platform based at the European Forest Institute in Bonn. This initiative is designed to enhance forest resilience and promote sustainable management practices across Europe, providing a strong foundation for future efforts. FoRISK will serve as an advisory hub, helping to prevent and manage climate-related forest damage—an essential step in safeguarding European forests in an era of increasing environmental risks. 

A joint commitment to forest resilience
Throughout the discussions, ministers emphasized the vital need for collaboration to ensure the resilience and adaptability of Europe’s forests. With climate change posing a significant threat to these ecosystems, the delegates shared a common vision: forests must be managed sustainably to thrive in a changing world. A highlight of the event was the signing of the Bonn Ministerial Documents, which will help shape the future of forest policy across Europe. The European forest and forest-based sector promotes sustainable and multifunctional management of Europe’s forests, both in policymaking and on the ground and therefore expressed strong support for FOREST EUROPE as a governments-led policy process at the 9th FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference. Find the joint statement here. 

The Bonn Ministerial Declaration: A vision for the future
The Bonn Ministerial Declaration, titled FOREST EUROPE – Keeping Sustainable Forest Management Fit for the Future, reinforced Forest Europe’s role as a key actor in defining and promoting sustainable forest management. The declaration set out several ambitious goals, including the development of scientific criteria and indicators for sustainable management practices, with a particular focus on protecting forest biodiversity. Moreover, it called for better coordination among forest stakeholders, aiming to reduce fragmentation in European forest policy and ensure that all voices, especially those of smaller and Eastern European nations, are heard. 

Urgent action for forest vitality
Another important document signed during the conference, the Bonn Ministerial Decision, focused on Sustainable Forest Management as a critical tool for enhancing forest resilience. The need for urgent action through national strategies to boost forest vitality was underscored, with the establishment of the FoRISK platform as a key outcome. This decision also highlighted the importance of promoting green education and job opportunities in the forest sector, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to take on the challenge of managing forests sustainably. 

A focus on the next generation
A special emphasis was placed on intergenerational dialogue during the conference. A Position Paper, drafted by youth representatives as part of the Youth Consultation Workshops, was presented and discussed with the delegates. This led to a firm commitment by Forest Europe to integrate the younger generation more deeply into its work moving forward. Their involvement is seen as crucial in ensuring that the future of Europe’s forests remains bright. 

Support for Ukraine’s forests
During Germany’s term as chair, Forest Europe extended its support to Ukraine, focusing on the restoration and sustainable management of the country’s forests, both during and after the war. At the conference, many delegations reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s forestry sector in the years to come.  

Sweden steps up as new Chair
After four years at the forefront of Forest Europe, Germany is set to hand over the chairmanship to Sweden at the end of this year, leaving behind a legacy of significant progress and collaboration.
As the conference ended, participants looked to the future, agreeing to continue working together and implementing the action plans laid out during the event. The health of Europe’s forests is not just a matter for policymakers, it’s a shared responsibility for all generations, and the commitments made at the 9th Ministerial Conference are a vital step toward ensuring that these forests remain resilient for years to come. 

Future Perspectives on Forest Europe
In the final session of the conference, it was reaffirmed that FOREST EUROPE plays a crucial role in defining Sustainable Forest Management across Europe. Participants emphasized the continued relevance of this initiative and acknowledged the shared responsibility to keep it active. This includes encouraging members to take on roles as chairs or members of the GCC. 

Are European Forests Fit for a Sustainable Future?
We were also pleased to present our publication: Are European forests fit for a sustainable future? A short story about European forests that explores the complexities of European forests. Authored by independent experts engaged by the Liaison Unit Bonn, these narratives aim to provoke discussion rather than propose specific actions or recommendations.

Drawing on the State of Europe’s Forests 2020, the short stories highlight key policy questions deserving attention, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing forest management today. They are structured around the six Criteria for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), emphasizing the need to balance diverse societal demands with often conflicting policy objectives. In a time when forests are at the centre of political and public discourse, these stories reflect on the evolving challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss. Enjoy your reading and gain insights into the current state of Europe’s forests as we work towards a sustainable future! 

Implementation Report: Tracking progress in Sustainable Forest ManagementWe also presented our Implementation Report, which outlines the significant advancements made in sustainable forest management over the past four years. This report showcases how FOREST EUROPE has promoted resilient practices, supported biodiversity, and enhanced collaboration among nations.

Although FOREST EUROPE operates voluntarily, the commitments from our Ministerial Conferences are actively integrated into national policies by our signatories. Our latest report, released just before the conference, highlights the effective implementation of agreements from the 8th Ministerial Conference and their positive impact on forest policies. Explore the report to see how we are making progress together, and gain insights into the milestones achieved and ongoing efforts to ensure the future vitality of Europe’s forests.  

Spotlight on our forest comic: Inspiring the next generation of Green Forest Jobs
At the conference, we proudly introduced our forest-themed comic, an engaging resource aimed at inspiring young people to explore careers in the Green Forest Jobs sector. The comic highlights both traditional and innovative forest jobs, showcasing the exciting opportunities available in this growing field.

Available in print, as an eBook (soon), and as an interactive digital version with animations and voiceovers (also coming soon), the comic is designed to educate and entertain. It not only addresses critical environmental issues but also encourages the younger generation to consider Green Forest Jobs as a vital part of the future bio-economy. You can explore the digital version on our website and dive deeper into this dynamic, forward-thinking industry!  

Watch and learn: The story of FOREST EUROPE and the German chairmanship in animation
Curious about how we’re shaping the future of European forests? Check out our new animated video! In just a few minutes, we unravel the vital role forests play in our lives and highlight the key achievements made under our German chairmanship. With engaging visuals and a compelling narrative, the video explains what FOREST EUROPE is all about and why our mission to promote sustainable forest management is more important than ever.

From the establishment of the Forest Risk Facility to our focus on Novel Green Forest Jobs, you’ll see how our collaborative efforts are tackling current challenges while paving the way for a resilient future. Watch the video now and join us in safeguarding our forests for generations to come!