How “Close-to-Nature” Is the Management of European Forests?

JOINT PRESS RELEASE
Brussels, 10 March 2022

To contribute to the ambitious EU climate- and biodiversity-related objectives, the Commission is developing a guidance on “closer-to-nature” forestry. The ongoing debate around the topic is very polarized. To pursue a more balanced discussion, the representatives of European forest managers and owners organised an expert webinar to discuss the question: “How “close-to-nature” is the management of European forests?” The key aims of the event were to clarify what could be meant by “close(r)-to-nature” forest management and what the best strategy could be for the future of EU forests: active protection or passive conservation.

The event gathered high-level research experts, from a broad range of European regions, together with around 200 participants.

The invited experts provided data on the current state of European forests and discussed the future opportunities and actions needed to ensure their long-term health and resilience. The great diversity of forest types found throughout Europe makes it necessary to include a variety of approaches and measures, at both EU and national levels.

Today, sustainable forest management in Europe offers a great diversity of sylvicultural approaches which imitate natural processes. Therefore, it is crucial to better explain the forest management practices that are currently applied in Europe in order to be able to assess them when comparing them to what can be defined as “close(r)-to-nature” forestry in each and every local condition. Strengthening good practices could be a feasible way forward, provided that no one-size-fits-all rule is applied and a balance between environmental, social and economic pillars is ensured.

European forest owners and managers understand the importance of reaching EU objectives and are open to further collaboration and finding synergies with policymakers and other concerned actors. We offer the rich field experience of our members as a contribution to the EU forest-related policy discussions. We hope this webinar will serve as a stepping stone in the further debate on “close(r)-to-nature” forestry.

For more information, please contact:

Piotr Borkowski
Executive Director, EUSTAFOR
office@eustafor.eu