WELCOME

ONLINE WEBINAR What to expect from the next EU Strategy?

Please use the function QUESTION on the panel (right side of the screen) for the Q&A session

There will be an English/Polish translation available. To access it, please download the app INTERPREFY and insert the following TOKEN: ELO271020.

#EULandownersorg

1 WELCOMING ADDRESS

MEP Simone SCHMIEDTBAUER Vice- President of the Intergroup “, Hunting, Countryside”

2 OPENING

MEP Álvaro AMARO President of the Intergroup “Biodiversity, Hunting, Countryside”

3 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

MEP Petri SARVAMAA

Member of the Intergroup and rapporteur for the EP report on the EU Strategy

4 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Claudia OLAZABAL DG ENV – Head of Unit, Natural Capital

5 ONLINE EVENT OF THE "BIODIVERSITY, HUNTING, COUNTRYSIDE" INTERGROUP ___ What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy? 27 October 2020

Claudia Olazábal- Head of the land use and management Unit DG ENVIRONMENT European Commission The European Green Deal

Mobilising research and fostering innovation Transforming the EU’s economy for a Increasing the EU’s Climate A zero pollution ambition ambition for 2030 and 2050 sustainable future for a toxic-free environment

Supplying clean, affordable Preserving and restoring and secure energy The and biodiversity Europea Mobilising industry n From ‘Farm to Fork’: a fair, for a clean and circular economy Green healthy and environmentally friendly food system Deal

Building and renovating in an And leave Accelerating the shift to energy and resource efficient way sustainable and smart mobility No one behind

Leave no one behind Financing the transition (Just Transition)

The EU as a A European global leader Climate Pact The European Green Deal

• Assess the ambition of the final National Energy and Climate Plans by June 2020 • Review and revise where needed the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Supplying clean, affordable Directive by June 2021 and secure energy The • OffhoreEuropea wind initiative in 2020 • Review nthe TEN-E Regulation • RenovationGreen wave for the building sector in 2020 doubling the renovation rate Deal

Building and renovating in an energy and resource efficient way

The EU as a A European global leader Climate Pact The European Green Deal

• EU IndustrialThe Strategy by March 2020 • A new circularEuropea economy action plan by March 2020, includingn a sustainable products policy Mobilising industry • Clean Steel breakthrough technologies leading to for a clean and circular economy a zero carbonGreen steel making process by 2030. • LegislationDeal on Batteries and Circular Economy in 2020 • Propose legislative reforms tackling waste

The EU as a A European global leader Climate Pact The European Green Deal

• EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 in March 2020 • Follow up with concrete measures in 2021 to Preserving and restoring address the main driversThe of biodiversity loss ecosystems and biodiversity • A new EU Forest StrategyEuropeain 2020 • Measures to support deforestationn -free value chains from 2020 Green Deal

The EU as a A European global leader Climate Pact The European Green Deal

• EU to continue to lead the internationalThe climate and biodiversity negotiations,Europea further strengthening the international policy n framework • Strengthen the EU’s Green Deal DiplomacyGreen in cooperation with Member States Deal • Green Agenda for the Western Balkans • Proposal to make the respect of the Paris agreement an essential element for all future comprehensive trade agreements • Carbon border adjustment mechanism for selected sectors by 2021.

The EU as a A European global leader Climate Pact On the problem

•“From 1970 to 2017, the annual global extraction of materials tripled and it continues to grow, posing a major global risk. About half of total greenhouse gas emissions and more than 90% of biodiversity loss and water stress come from resource extraction and processing of materials, fuels and food. The EU’s industry has started the shift but still accounts for 20% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. It remains too ‘linear’, and dependent on a throughput of new materials extracted, traded and processed into goods, and finally disposed of as waste or emissions. Only 12% of the materials it uses come from recycling. “ •Ecosystems provide essential services such as food, fresh water and clean air, and shelter. They mitigate natural disasters, pests and diseases and help regulate the climate. However, the EU is not meeting some of its most important environmental objectives for 2020, such as the Aichi targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The EU and its global partners need to halt biodiversity loss. •Forest ecosystems are under increasing pressure, as a result of climate change. The EU’s forested area needs to improve, both in quality and quantity, for the EU to reach climate neutrality and a healthy environment. Sustainable re- and and the restoration of degraded can increase absorption of CO2 while improving the resilience of forests and promoting the circular bio-economy. On the actions

The Commission will develop requirements to ensure that all packaging in the EU market is reusable or recyclable in an economically viable manner by 2030, will develop a regulatory framework for biodegradable and bio-based plastics, and will implement measures on single use plastics. Companies making ‘green claims’ should substantiate these against a standard methodology to assess their impact on the environment. The Commission will step up its regulatory and non-regulatory efforts to tackle false green claims. Public authorities, including the EU institutions, should lead by example and ensure that their procurement is green. The Commission will propose further legislation and guidance on green public purchasing. The Commission will consider legal requirements to boost the market of secondary raw materials with mandatory recycled content (for instance for packaging, vehicles, construction materials and batteries). To address the twin challenge of energy efficiency and affordability, the EU and the Member States should engage in a ‘renovation wave’ of public and private buildings. In addition, the Commission will review the Construction Products Regulation17. It should ensure that the design of new and renovated buildings at all stages is in line with the needs of the circular economy, and lead to increased digitalisation and climate-proofing of the building stock. Preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity (part 1) The biodiversity strategy will identify specific measures to meet these objectives. These could include quantified objectives, such as increasing the coverage of protected biodiversity-rich land and sea areas building on the Natura 2000 network. Member States should also reinforce cross-border cooperation to protect and restore more effectively the areas covered by the Natura 2000 network. The Commission will identify which measures, including legislation, would help Member States improve and restore damaged ecosystems to good ecological status, including carbon-rich ecosystems. The biodiversity strategy will also include proposals to green European cities and increase biodiversity in urban spaces. The Commission will consider drafting a nature restoration plan and will look at how provide funding to help Member States to reach this aim. On the actions Preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity (part 2) Building on the 2030 biodiversity strategy the Commission will prepare a new EU forest Strategy with afforestation, forest preservation and restoration in Europe as key objectives •To help increase CO2 absorption •To reduce the incidence and extent of forest fires •To promote the bioeconomy in full respect for ecological principles favourable to biodiversity •To incentivize forest managers to preserve grow and manage sustainably through the CAP •To promote the import of products that do not involve and On the actions •The Commission will support work to unlock the full benefits of the digital transformation to support the ecological transition. An immediate priority will be to boost the EU’s ability to predict and manage environmental disasters. To do this, the Commission will bring together European scientific and industrial excellence to develop a very high precision digital model of the Earth. •European funds, including for rural development, will help rural areas to harness opportunities in the circular and bio-economy. The Commission will reflect this in its long-term vision for rural areas. It will pay particular attention to the role of outermost regions in the European Green Deal, taking into account their vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters and their unique assets: biodiversity and renewable energy sources. CLIMATE PACT AND CLIMATE LAW PROMOTING CLEAN INVESTING IN ENERGY SMARTER, MORE SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

STRIVING PROTECTING FOR NATURE GREENER INDUSTRY The FROM FARM TO FORK ELIMINATIN European G POLLUTION Green Deal

LEADING THE ENSURING GREEN CHANGE A JUST TRANSITION GLOBALLY FOR ALL

MAKING FINANCING HOMES ENERGY GREEN EFFICIENT PROJECTS Protect Nature

Protect 30% of EU land and sea

⮚ Based on Natura 2000 and nationally designated areas

⮚ EU wide target, take into account specific situation in MS

⮚ Integrate ecological corridors to build coherent network Strictly protect a third of these areas ⮚ Covering areas of very high biodiversity value & important for mitigation and adaptation to climate change, including all primary and old growth forest*

* OGF have to be defined and mapped Restore Nature EU Restoration Plan with 2030 commitments (1): subset selected here more relevant to forests ✔Legally binding targets to be proposed in 2021 ✔No deterioration of any protected and species by 2030: trend to be positive for at least 30% ⮚ Halve the number of ‘red list’ species threatened by Invasive Alien Species ✔Plant 3 billion additional respecting ecological principles ✔Reverse decline in pollinators Further provisions on forests (1)

• Increase the quantity, quality and resilience of EU forests, notably against fires, pests and other disturbances • All forests need to be preserved in good health to retain their functions for biodiversity and climate, as well as to provide materials, products and services for the circular bio-economy • EU Forest Strategy in 2021, building on the EU Biodiversity Strategy • Further development of the Forest Information System for Europe (FISE), linking all EU forest-data web-platforms Further provisions on forests (2)

Afforestation, and planting

⮚ Plant at least 3 billion additional trees in the EU by 2030 in full respect of ecological principles, special focus on cities and

⮚ To be promoted via the CAP strategic plans and the cohesion policy funds + new European Urban Greening Platform and LIFE

⮚ Commission to develop, in parallel with new EU forest strategy, guidelines on biodiversity-friendly afforestation and reforestation Further provisions on forests (3)

Forest management

⮚ The share of forest areas covered by management plans should cover all managed public forests and an increased number of private forests

⮚ Biodiversity-friendly practices such as closer-to-nature forestry should continue and be further developed

⮚ Commission to develop, in parallel with the new EU Forest Strategy, guidelines on closer-to-nature forestry practices Further provisions on forests (4) • Continue the approach of the Renewable Energy Directive, extending to all forms of bioenergy the shift to advanced biofuels based on residues and non-reusable and non-recyclable waste. • The use of whole trees and food & feed crops for energy production, whether produced in the EU or imported, should be minimised. • Assessment of EU and global supply & demand by end 2020, to be used for the revision of relevant legislation in line with the European Green Deal • Operational guidance on the new sustainability criteria on forest biomass for energy (2021). Key elements to be considered for the new EUFS

To strategy will: • Support restoration of damaged areas and ecosystems. • Enhance to meet the EU biodiversity objectives. • Ensure sustainable management of all EU forests and demonstrate their effective contribution to the EU objectives. • Promote afforestation (3 bn additional trees by 2030 ) contributing to climate neutrality, the circular bioeconomy, and biodiversity. • Build forest resilience, enhance prevention and secure forests health. Key elements to be considered for the new EUFS

The strategy will: • Foster vibrant rural areas, by supporting the environmental, social and economic functions of forests, rural development, jobs and local enterprises and value chains. • Support innovative, sustainable and environment-friendly products replacing resource intensive sectors. • Facilitate a stronger coordination with national forest policies, to set them in line with the EU Green Deal’s objectives, including by promoting harmonisation of forest relevant information (i.e. through FISE). • Catalyse the enhanced use of EU and national budget, towards the strategy’s goals. Key elements to be considered for the new EUFS

The strategy will: • Build an inclusive and broad governance framework that allows all parties involved to engage and shape the future of forests in the EU. • Improve communication about forests and the urban/rural gap in understanding their functions. • Secure consistency between domestic policies and international commitments showing international leadership in SFM, fighting deforestation and forest degradation, building on the Communication on Stepping up EU Action to Protect and Restore the World’s Forests. Timing and consultation

• Consultation of the Roadmap in the coming weeks • Online questionnaire posted for 12 weeks starting in the fall • Ad-hoc consulations in different specialised fora • Adoption planned for Q1 2021 in the amended Commission Work Programme Thank you for your attention !

[email protected] PANEL DISCUSSION

Frédéric PETIT NTF President (Rural Owners of Wallonia)

29 What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?

Frédéric Petit President

27.10.2020

30 The Walloon forest in figures

Forest in Belgium : 706.530 ha (23% of the territory) o Walloon forest : 557.909 ha (33% of the walloon territory) < > 40% in Europe 86% of the forest is productive < > 65% in Europe 83 848 properties (of which 91% less than 5 ha) o Hardwood stands: 270.727 ha (57% of the productive forest); Growth: 1.302.915 m³/year Harvest: 874.029 m³/year, or 67% of the growth o Softwood stands : 195.000 ha (41% of the productive forest) Growth: 2.289.653 m³/year Harvest: 3.034.976 m³/year, or 133% of the growth o Walloon sector : 8.000 enterprises - 18.000 direct jobs

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 31 Biggest challenges for private forest owners ?

1. To restore the forest areas affected by the bark beetle crisis and various health crises (ash chalarosis, withering of beech and other species). 2. To make the right choices for reforestation species: To find species that are adapted to climate change, and not ban sofwood. Scientific research must find solutions. 3. To restore confidence ! Many producers are discouraged. 4. To make progress in forestry practices: To plant mixtures of species, evolve to stands of multiple ages when possible, practice regular . 5. To manage to maintain a level of production equivalent to the current level, and harvests as close as possible to this level of production, for the entire Walloon forest.

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 32 Sufficiently effective regional or national policies?

NON-EXISTANT in Belgium!

NO Health Crisis Management Procedure (no windfall plan) !

However, on October 16, 2020, our Walloon Minister for Forestry announced :

• Aid for the reforestation of a more resilient forest (mixed forest); • The establishment of a working group to develop a Regional Forest Plan in 2021.

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 33 Ursula von der Leyen

Plenary session of the European Parliament of September 16, 2020 « Next Generation EU » Target - 55% of GHG 750 billion €

« … the construction sector can be transformed into carbon sinks and therefore stop being a source of carbon, if we use organic building materials such as wood…

I want Next Generation EU to spark a wave of European renewal… »

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 34 What Europe has already planned

EAFRD/European Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of December 17, 2013 5 financial support measures for the forest/wood sector 1€ WR = 1€ EU

• Aid for afforestation; • Agroforestry; • Prevention and repair of damage caused by climate change (diseases, disasters); • Investments to improve resilience; • Investments in the wood sector;

⮚ Not activated in Wallonia !

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 35 Expected EU Responses

1. To encourage Member States to define and implement a Common Forestry Policy (CFP) through mandatory or incentive measures to achieve common objectives.

These common objectives should be : o To ensure a good balance between the various functions of the forest  Economic, Environmental and Social perspective. ⮚ Division of tasks between distinct areas  Areas dedicated to the conservation of nature or fragile ecosystems, and stimulated areas. o To preserve the economic function because :

⮚ Wood production = atmospheric C fixation (1m³ of wood fixes 1T of CO2); ⮚ Important role in terms of jobs in the whole wood sector.

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 36 Expected EU Responses

2. To encourage Member States to activate financial support mechanisms for the wood sector (via the EAFRD).

o Afforestation or reforestation aid for forest producers.

o But also aid for the maintenance of and the management of forests.

3. To consider a compensation mechanism for forest producers who

produce wood and fix CO2 o Such a mechanism is beginning to be established in some countries, but could be generalized. Ex : « Low carbon label» in France.

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 37 Expected EU Responses

4. Through an extensive public information campaign on the economic role of the forest, to promote social adherence to the production and harvesting of wood for wider use.

Too many citizens ignore the renewable nature of forest production and see timber harvesting as a «crime against nature» !

5. To encourage member countries to make greater use of wood in construction, but also in the packaging sector (wood is a sustitute for PVC).

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 38 The assets of Wallonia

Forests and wood = Wallonia’s major assets to be part of the European project for a new low-carbon circular economy !

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 39 Conclusion

For future generations, we must build the forest of tomorrow today !

This is our responsibility as producers, and…

This is, Ladies and Gentlemen, Walloon and European politicians, your responsibility to help us build a better and more beneficial future environment to all.

40 Thank you for your attention !

To contact us :

ème Rue Borgnet, 13 – 2 ét. T : (00 32) 81 26 35 83 5000 NAMUR Belgium F : (00 32) 81 26 35 84

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 41 PANEL DISCUSSION

Dr. Eckart SENITZA, President Pro Silva (Europa)

42 Eckart Senitza Pro Silva – Close to Nature Forestry

Introduction:

• Founded 1989 in Slovenia; • 20 full members in Europe; • 11 members under development or contact points; • 5 associated members • 5500 individual members in EU; • scientists, forest managers, forest administration, • Inspiration by virgin forests practitioners, ; (IUFRO); • The biggest network connecting • Transforming the principles to science and practice; managed forests; • Learning by doing; • European Trademark & NGO. • Peer to peer communication.

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 43 Eckart Senitza Pro Silva – Close to Nature Forestry

Pro Silva Principles:

Following MCPFE guidelines 1. Conservation of ecosystems; 2. Protection of and climate; 3. Production of timber and

Together with this emphasis on sustainability, other products; PRO SILVA promotes forest use which follows primarily natural processes. By these means, 4. Recreation, amenity, and ecological and economic risks are reduced. cultural aspects. Sustainability including economic, ecologic and social aspects.

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 44 Eckart Senitza Pro Silva – Close to Nature Forestry

Further Principles:

• Good Management of Carbon; • Forest and Energy Principle Paper; • Principles for Mediterranean Forests; • Principles of Forest Adaption to Risks; • Pro Silva and Biodiversity; • Issue of Non-Indigenous Forest Species; • Pro Silva and Landscape Protection. forest and man – interaction Further principles published between 2008 and 2012 cover most topics that are nowadays under since centuries discussion.

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 45 Eckart Senitza Pro Silva – Close to Nature Forestry

Activities:

• 31 international annual meetings and congresses (up to > 400 participants), 2020 was postponed to 2021; • Exchange of information within regional working groups; • Establishment of exemplary forests; • Meetings and excursions in exemplary forests; • Cooperation with educational and scientific institutions, and other bodies; • PR: press releases, web, etc…… • all papers and reports can be found at The policy statements are the result of many www.prosilva.org discussions held among members of the Board of Pro Silva Europe. The objective of these policies is to increase the benefit derived from the forest by present and future generations.

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 46 Eckart Senitza Pro Silva – Close to Nature Forestry

Practical Activities:

EEFN –European Exemplary Forests Network • > 65 descriptions collected • Backbone for excursions, etc. • Collaboration with AFI + EFI • Publications & practical handbook • Martelloscopes & Training exercises • Multiplication by members activities (annual reports); • Involvement in different projects; Handbook from Pro Silva Wallonie • Success in forest policies (Irl, Hun, Translated to English, German, CzR). Dutch and Hungarian versions will follow Pro Silva Switzerland (Hatt., S.: “Checkkarten Dauerwald (Ger., Eng.,Hun.)

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 47 Eckart Senitza Pro Silva – Close to Nature Forestry

From Trees to Products & Services

• Care about nutrient cycle + soil; Circular economy with • Include biotop trees, methusalems; integration of biodiversity • Deadwood; • Genetic reserves; and carbon storage in soil, • Forest reserves. trees and wooden products.

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 48 Eckart Senitza Pro Silva – Close to Nature Forestry

Integrational Approach

• Structural and species diversity; • Scale level: Stand, forest property, landscape; • Higher resilience; • Natural regeneration – genetics; ? Further set aside forests; ? Progress to more segregation; ? Static concept of strict protection; ? Static indicators for biodiversity. Dynamic changes of environment need perspectives that take into account those changes

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 49 Eckart Senitza Pro Silva – Close to Nature Forestry

Biodiversity & Forest Strategy 2020+

e.g. NATURA 2000 is perceived as a burden, resulting in low acceptance. policies are made for other people’s land.

Pro Silva’s Way: • Principles & Guidelines • Technical Handbook Solutions have do be developed by the owner/manager according to site conditions and stand type • Include inputs by forest owners and - no strict prescriptions - forest managers • No additional bureaucracy • Motivation of owners = key factor Empower the foresters !!

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 50 Eckart Senitza Pro Silva – Close to Nature Forestry

Hunting for Climate Change Adaptation

High population of roe deer, red deer and other ungulates endanger: • natural regeneration; • tree Species (silver fir, oak, etc.); • bark peeling destroys forests.

A modern ecologic orientated hunting is needed!!

Hunting must include knowledge of wildlife ecology, population dynamics and animal health as well as nature and animal protection aspects and develop new strategies.

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 51 Eckart Senitza Pro Silva – Close to Nature Forestry

Outlook: Post Corona… – meet in the forest 3D !!

linking practice, science and educational outreach for advancing close-to-nature Pro silva 20th anniversary 2009 -30th anniversary 2019

• hopefully we will celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2029 • we have to face climate change • at that time I was (?!) responsible for 40 years, which are 50-25% of a tree life

Webinar ELO: « What to expect from the next EU Forest Strategy ?" – October 27, 2020 52 PANEL DISCUSSION

Ronan UHEL

Head of Natural Capital and Ecosystems, EEA

53 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

54 CLOSING REMARKS

MEP Simone SCHMIEDTBAUER Vice- President of the Intergroup “Biodiversity, Hunting, Countryside”

55 THANK YOU

You will receive the recordings of the meeting and all materials will be downloadable on :

https://www.biodiversityhuntingcountryside.eu/ https://www.europeanlandowners.org/cooperatio n-with-the-eu-institutions/intergroup

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