For decades European State Forest Management Organizations (EUSTAFOR) have managed their forests responsibly and sustainably, growing forests to produce wood, protect nature, provide green spaces for the citizens of Europe and help tackle climate change.
In recent times, more attention has been paid to forests and the many benefits they deliver to society. In an environment of ever-increasing climate change concerns, biodiversity emergencies and increased use of the outdoors by the public, the demand on forests have never been higher, but equally the opportunities for well managed forests have never been greater.
Sustainably managed multifunctional forests hold the key to responding to those demands, ensuring our forest ecosystems’ continuous regrowth and creation of renewable, sustainable raw materials, while combating climate change, protecting nature and providing outdoor recreational opportunities for society. Forestry professionals across Europe have embraced the multifunctionality of forests and manage their forests to deliver multiple benefits.
This multifunctionality approach, driven by sustainability should guide all forest policies, supporting the development of a new European bioeconomy, delivering ecosystem services and pivoting the European market towards a new and correct post-fossil economy. We therefore call for forest-related policies to recognise and safeguard the multiple functions of forests and balance the different priorities within the sector.
The challenge of prioritising, balancing and delivering different needs from the forests of Europe is high. The faster we work together to create a united and sustainable vision, supported by policy, the better the results will be for everyone.
The first video explains the main principles of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). It is available in several subtitled versions (Spanish, Catalan, Italian, French, among others). Find the right version for you on EUSTAFOR Youtube channel.
