Thematic Group work informs EU Forest Standing Committee

A second meeting of our Thematic Group (TG) on ‘Supporting the Needs of Forest-Dominant Rural Areas and Municipalities: Laying the Groundwork for networking under the Forest Strategy’ concluded recently, with its findings being provided to help inform the EU’s Forest Standing Committee.

TG members met online at the end of May to build on their earlier TG work, which started in March. Topics on the May meeting’s agenda focused on sharing experience and ideas about how working in partnership with multiple stakeholders can overcome tensions surrounding the multi-functional use of forests and address the needs identified by rural stakeholders in forest-dominant rural areas. The meeting also drew on TG members’ considerable and multi-disciplinary expertise to explore ways in which the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) can contribute to a balanced approach to achieving multi-functional forests (delivering economic benefits, employment, climate change mitigation, recreation, conservation and other outcomes). Options for future networking of forest stakeholders were also discussed.

A collection of valuable experiences from across the EU was shared during the meeting that involved presentations featuring forest management success stories from Sweden, Belgium and Spain. All this new information is available on the event webpage.

Forestry findings

Overall outcomes from the two TG meetings have helped identify key messages for the EU’s Forest Standing Committee. It was clear that there are many common rural development needs and issues facing forest-dominant areas as well as specific challenges and opportunities related to forests and that these vary depending on the area. Both socio-economic and environmental support will be required to help optimise the full potential of EU forest areas as production bases for quality timber or other forest resources, as well as healthy wildlife habitats and popular recreational landscapes.

There was agreement that networking can be central to finding solutions for complex issues, which cannot be resolved through regulation alone. Other TG insights highlighted the important role of communication among different stakeholders about regulations, data and funding schemes to support the balanced use of forests. Communication campaigns can also help reduce risks of confusion amongst stakeholders at the local or national level about forest-related support available in their country.

TG members felt that a platform for sharing good practice examples and institutional networking among Member States could contribute to more effective exchanges among forest stakeholders. The TG further concluded that changes in legislation affecting forest areas can be introduced more successfully by engaging forest stakeholders in meaningful discussions and using their experience and knowhow to inform their development.

Other advice from the TG member on EU forest matters pointed out that there needs to be a shift in mindset about the ways to manage forests. Holistic perspectives can help forest areas become more productive, resilient to climate change as well as help benefit the environment and respond to the needs of local communities. Forest extension services can play a vital role here in facilitating and advising on sustainable options for advancing such developments.

Additional outcomes from the TG will include case studies and you can follow the TG webpage for comprehensive coverage of its members’ useful and timely activities.