FOREST EUROPE

FOREST EUROPE (Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe) is the pan-European policy process for sustainable management of the continent’s forests. FOREST EUROPE, founded in 1990, develops common strategies for its 45 member countries and the EU on how to protect and sustainably manage forests. FOREST EUROPE mission is to enhance the cooperation on forest policies in Europe under the leadership of ministers, and to secure and promote Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) with the aim of maintaining the multiple functions of forests crucial to society. The signatories of FOREST EUROPE share a vision: "A future where all European forests are vital, productive and multifunctional. Where forests contribute effectively to sustainable development, through ensuring human well-being, a healthy environment and economic development in Europe and across the globe. Where the forests’ unique potential to support a green economy, livelihoods, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, enhancing water quality and combating desertification is realized to benefit society." Sustainable Forest Management is crucial for sufficient and sustainable supply of timber products, renewable energy, good quality fresh water and climate change mitigation in Europe and the rest of the world.