EUSTAFOR’s Response to the Letter from Fern: The role of state forests in protecting and restoring European forests

On 14 May, EUSTAFOR and members of its Executive Committee were addressed in a letter lead by Fern and co-signed by twenty-one other environmental NGO. The letter articulates criticism regarding the EUSTAFOR’s  recent position paper “Preserving forests, jobs and local economy – EUSTAFOR’s call for balanced and sound land protection approaches”.

In its response EUSTAFOR addresses the principal points raised by Fern and other NGOs, aiming to correct misunderstandings and acknowledge areas of agreement:

• First and foremost, EUSTAFOR clarifies that considering that state forests cover approximately only 30% of the total EU’s forests and that the EU land protection targets apply to the entire land territory—not exclusively to forests—it is neither proportionate nor effective to expect state-owned forests alone to bear the primary responsibility for achieving these objectives. This is the central message of EUSTAFOR’s position: a call for a more balanced, science-based, and equitable approach to land protection across all ownership types as well as habitats categories.
• Furthermore, the answer makes evident that certain topics such as the restoration and strict protection of primary and old-growth forests—are not disputed nor were the subject of EUSTAFOR’s position paper. As explained in the response, on the contrary, EUSTAFOR members are actively involved in the achievement of these objectives and play a crucial role in their implementation.
• Additionally, it is outlined that the challenges related to reduced employment and livelihoods are influenced by multiple factors, with the issue highlighted in the NGO’s letter representing only one of several contributing elements.
• Importantly, there are also elements in the letter where common ground exists, such as what should the role of public forests be. At the heart of state forest management lies a commitment to exemplary, multifunctional forestry that delivers maximum benefits to society while ensuring the highest standards of sustainability.

Engagement from civil society, including organisations such as Fern, is valued and contributes meaningfully to public discourse. Constructive dialogue remains essential in addressing complex and evolving challenges.

Read EUSTAFOR’s Response here.