Final Episode of State of the Forest: The Role of Europe’s State Forests

Forests are far more than sources of timber, they are living ecosystems that anchor biodiversity, stabilise our climate, support rural livelihoods, and enrich the cultural fabric of Europe.

In the season’s final episode of State of the Forest, we explore how Europe’s state forest management organisations are shaping a sustainable and resilient future through a holistic, multifunctional approach to forestry.

                     Listen to the episode - HERE -

In this episode, host Roberto Stelstra speaks with Juha Niemelä, President of EUSTAFOR and CEO of Metsähallitus, Finland’s state forest organisation and one of Europe’s largest public land managers. Together, they look at how state forests balance environmental, economic, and social objectives while navigating evolving EU policies, rising societal expectations, and the accelerating impacts of climate change.

Juha highlights the increasingly important role of state forest organisations in bridging policy and practice at EU level, ensuring that publicly owned forests, vital for biodiversity, recreation, carbon sequestration, rural employment, and cultural heritage, are managed with long-term sustainability and transparency in mind .

From climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation to supporting the bioeconomy, the conversation showcases how science-based decision-making, adaptive planning, and strong stakeholder engagement underpin modern state forest management. Juha also offers a clear message for policymakers: Europe must continue supporting a holistic, multifunctional approach to forest policy, recognising forests as “climate buffers, biodiversity reservoirs, cultural landscapes, and sources of well-being” .

As EUSTAFOR approaches its 20th anniversary, the episode looks ahead to the next chapter: strengthening resilience, deepening cooperation across borders, embracing digital innovation, and reinforcing the social licence to operate; key foundations for ensuring Europe’s forests remain vibrant and valuable for generations to come.

🎧 Listen to the season finale and join us in reflecting on why forests are, and must continue to be, managed as diverse, multifunctional ecosystems that serve all of society.