Press release on the Green paper.

(11.09.2009)

 

European State Forest Association (EUSTAFOR) believes that sustainable forest management and continuous work to improve its benefits is central to the future of Europe’s forests. It is vital to balance the different interests in a way which means we will both be able to produce wood for different products, and take advantage of the social and environmental benefits from the forest while taking care of biodiversity. 

 

We appreciate the possibilities the green paper gives for a discussion on how to protect our forests against different negative impacts (including preparing for climate change). To be able to use the forests possibilities to sequester carbon it is of major importance to keep them healthy and vital. 

 

The open consultation on the green paper will hopefully lead to a discussion which gives forests and forest management an increased recognition and a stronger position within society. 

 

There is also an ongoing MCPFE/Forest Europe process to present options on a possibly legally binding agreement (LBA) on forests. One should, during this consultation on the green paper, also consider this ongoing process and other already implemented tools. 

 

EUSTAFOR’s 28 members, representing 30% of EU forest area, are committed to sustainable forest management and working with the existing certification schemes. The member’s total harvest is approx. 115 million m3 annum and together the members employ more than 100 000 persons. 

 

For more information please contact: 

 

Executive Director Martin Lindell +32 2 239 2304