Council adopts conclusions on the new EU forest strategy for 2030

 

Monday 15 November 2021

● Council of the EU   15/11/2021 13:18 | Press release | Council adopts conclusions on the new EU forest strategy for 2030   The EU’s agriculture ministers have welcomed the publication of a new EU forest strategy for 2030. In conclusions adopted during today’s agriculture and fisheries meeting, ministers recognised the need for forests to contribute more to the European Green Deal and global targets such as the 2030 Agenda. In particular, they: highlighted the essential role of forests for human health, animal health and a healthy natural environment under the ‘One Health’ approach agreed that forestry can play a key role in the EU’s transition to a green, climate neutral and competitive circular bio-economy stressed the importance of cooperation and constructive dialogue between member states, the Commission, stakeholders and civil society welcomed the new strategy’s emphasis on promoting sustainable wood-based products and the proposal to set up a new partnership for forestry research and innovation. Nevertheless, the Council’s conclusions also highlighted the need to strike a balance between the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainable forest management, and stressed the importance of respecting and maintaining the diversity of forests and forest management practices in different member states and regions. Moreover, the member states expressed doubt about the value of developing national strategic plans for forestry, as envisaged in the Commission’s communication, and encouraged the use of existing international monitoring and reporting processes. Finally, ministers felt that a new EU forest strategy should include an international dimension aimed at curbing global deforestation. "As one of the most densely forested countries in Europe, Slovenia has always appreciated the importance of sustainable forest management. Today’s conclusions reflect the need for all stakeholders to work together and adopt a balanced approach in order to come to terms with the unprecedented challenges facing our forests, while also protecting communities whose livelihoods depend on forest resources." Jože Podgoršek, Slovenian Minister for Agriculture