EUSTAFOR members speak at Forest Innovation Workshop

On 11 & 12 February, the 6th edition of the Forest Innovation Workshop was held in Brussels. This annual event, organized by the European Forest Institute (EFI), the European Network of Forested Regions (ERIAFF) and the EU projects FOREST4EU and OptFor-EU, provided a platform for experts and regional representatives to explore the latest innovations in forest management, discuss regional priorities, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. Over 150 participants attended this two day event, of which EUSTAFOR has been a supporter for years.

Our organization was well represented on stage, with both Mr. Hardo Becker (RMK) and Mr. Javier Ezquerra (Junta Castilla y León) having been invited for an active role.Mr. Becker participated in a panel and discussed the complex trade-off between climate targets and biodiversity goals in forest management. His key message was that both are achievable, but not by relying on off-sets. Active forest management is crucial to achieve the best results for challenges.

Mr. Ezquerra took part in a Roundtable Discussion on priorities for innovation and a supportive framework. During this discussion he urged the EU to update its vision on forestry and recognize that strict protection is no longer the appropriate option in all forest systems. In Spain for example, forest fires are a larger threat than deforestation.