Conference Proceedings 8

Conference Proceedings

th th FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference 8 FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference

Bratislava, 14 - 15 April 2021 Conference Proceedings 8th FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference Bratislava 14 -15 April 2021

Published by: Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe - FOREST EUROPE Liaison Unit Bratislava www.foresteurope.org

Disclaimer: The contents of this publication do not reflect the official opinions of the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (FOREST EUROPE). Neither the authors, FOREST EUROPE, nor any person acting on their behalf is responsible for the use which might be made of the information in this publication.

© Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe, 2021 Conference Proceedings 8th FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference

Bratislava, 14 - 15 April 2021 5 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 of sustainable development Ministerial Roundtable 2:Sustainable forest management –our joint answer to the vision Ministerial Roundtable 1:Adapting forests to changingclimate Opening oftheConference Table ofContents Key-note Speech- Words ofWelcome - Words ofWelcome - Words ofWelcome - Slovak Republic Romania Portugal Malta Luxembourg Italy Ireland Hungary Greece France Finland European Commission Cyprus Czech Republic Belgium Slovenia Serbia Poland Lithuania Norway Georgia Estonia Bulgaria Austria European State Forest Association CEPF -Confederation ofEuropean Forest Owners /COPA -COGECA /EUSTAFOR - EOS -European Confederation oftheSawmil Industry Turkey Switzerland Spain ...... Janez Potočnik

Julia Klöckner Ján Mičovský Zuzana Čaputová ......

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...... 50 20 30 49 56 29 58 36 39 54 45 38 42 34 43 25 24 47 22 23 52 32 53 27 37 10 13 18 41 15 31 17 11 9 8 7 Sweden...... 59 Ukraine...... 60 UNECE - United Nations Economic Commission for Europe ...... 62 FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization...... 63 EFI - European Forest Institute...... 64 CEI-Bois - European Woodworking Industry Confederation...... 65 CEPI - Confederation of European Paper Industry...... 66 CEPF - Confederation of European Forest Owners / COPA - COGECA...... 67 EUSTAFOR - European State Forest Association...... 68 FSC - Forest Stewardship Council...... 69 IUFRO - International Union of Forest Research Organizations...... 70 UEF - Union of European Foresters...... 71 USSE - Union of Foresters of Southern Europe...... 73

Signature of the Ministerial documents...... 75 Annexes ...... 79 Conference Proceedings Conference

6 Opening of the Conference Words of Welcome

Ms. Zuzana Čaputová President of the Slovak Republic SLOVAKIA

Dear ministers,

Dear Janez Potočnik,

Dear participants,

It is my great pleasure to address you today.

This year’s motto “The future we want, the forest we need”, perfectly highlights how important sustainable forest management is for nature, our people and our future.

Climate adaptation and strengthening resilience is a priority. Nature-based solutions can improve forest functions. We must apply them wherever possible because sustainably managed forests are better for our health, economy and climate. European forests have always had three main, often conflicting roles: environmental, social and economic, but they are also absolutely crucial in addressing the climate crisis. Given the growing demand for forest limited resources and capacities, the best way forward to reconcile these diverse interests is to apply sustainability as a guiding principle.

To reach net-zero by 2050, we need healthy ecosystems rich on biodiversity to capture and store CO2. Forests equally protect soils from erosion, provide nutrition, clean air, fresh water and serve as natural harbours for wildlife.

Dear ministers, dear all,

Everybody needs to lead by example. Office of the Slovak President will therefore become the first public climate-neutral institution in Slovakia by 2030 and I hope that many others will follow. Planting trees and biodiversity protection is an integral part of this journey. I invite you to act sustainably to benefit of forests, climate and biodiversity.

I wish you all a productive conference. Conference Proceedings Conference

8 9 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 18th and19thcentury, motto: hadashort “Let’s preserve forests to This isasentence ourdescendants.” Dekrét Matejovie, was born, inDobroč, notsofar from here. Andthisforester, wholived at theturn ofthe would like to addonemore motto. We are inthearea where oneofthegreatest Slovak foresters, Jozef forests we need.’It’s averyclever sentence thathasseveral ofthisconference, Asahost meanings. I Let mesay thatthemotto oftheconference we have future chosen‘The isverynice: we the want, reallywhat thesociety from expects forests. change, talkinghow to increase values offorests, theaesthetic theirresilience andstability, andto bring The perspective revealing theirtruevalues, showing how to prevent thenegative ofclimate impacts and forests butwe domuchmore can for themandwe lookataforest can from anew perspective. at thisconference,I amconvinced that, many willemerge, ideas proving thatwe owe alotto nature forestry isthatwhat we needto discussatthisConference. would like to welcome you again,together withourGerman friends.Ibelieve, thatthefuture ofEuropean thisiswhatbrings ustogetherI think, attheEighthFOREST EUROPE MinisterialConference where I Today, we are goingto make thefuture. Thefuture thatwould beimpossible withouthealthy forests. thanks to you,that, thanks to ourmeeting,my seconddream willcometrue. provide timberbutalso fresh water, air, clean mentalandphysicalfor health humans.Iamconvinced say thatthere istimeto seeforests from adifferent perspective. To say thatthe forests notonly exist to that representatives from European countries and forest organisations would cometogether here to one and you have to admit that having two dreams in one place is uncommon. The second dream was today. However, confess Imust thatthisisnottheonlydream Ihave hadinthisvalley. There’s another to oftheSlovak learn forestry, thehistory 700 almost years long,aswell asthereality ofourforests Here, ontheForest Time ahundred Path,almost aswe it, called thousandofvisitors comeevery year Museum more than20years ago. offorestry,importance andreal work inforests. Thatiswhy we thisForestry established Open-air as well aspeoplefrom to learn theothercountries, an opportunity thevalues oftheforest andthe In thisvalley, Imanagedto make my bigdream cometrue.Ihave always wanted to give theSlovaks, Čiernynear Balog. let mewelcome you to Slovakia, ourbeautiful intheForestry Open-air MuseuminVydrovská valley, ministers, Dear colleagues, dear SLOVAKIA of the Slovak Republic Minister ofAgriculture and Rural Development Mr. Ján Mičovský Words ofWelcome Welcome again,“Lesu my zdar”, friends! behindthisoldmotto.the idea we needto remember andIamconvinced thatthis conference contribute willsignificantly to realizing Words of Welcome

Ms. Julia Klöckner Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture of the Federal Republic of Germany GERMANY

Colleagues,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Hello to all of you.

Welcome to all of you to the 8th Forest Europe Ministerial Conference. I regret that we cannot meet in person in the beautiful city of Bratislava today due to the pandemic.

I was all the more delighted at the initiative by Minister Mičovský to organise a physical follow up meeting of the Forest Europe ministers in Bratislava soon, as the pandemic permits. I appreciate the invitation. But first of all, let me thank the Slovak Republic and especially the Liaison unit Bratislava for their excellent work as the Chair of our Pan-European process over the past five years. We are delighted to take over the new chairing country building on the successful work of our Slovak friends, the Liaison unit Bonn has already started its work and is highly motivated to advance this process.

Colleagues,

Let us look ahead, true to the motto of this conference “The future we want, the forest we need”.

Due to reports on massive forest damage Europe’s forests have been in the limelight of the public. Our forests are in distress, we must protect them better. We all need healthy forests. There is hardly a greater project spanning several generations. Our forests have so much to offer. They mitigate climate change in supply raw material. They are main pillar of bio economy, the key to biodiversity and a place of recreation. We must help our forests. We must encourage the sustainable management of forests.

Every country must do more at the national level, especially in Europe we must at the same time develop solutions across borders. This is a decisive here for Europe’s forests as we are now implementing the EU Biodiversity Strategy and preparing the EU Forest Strategy is part of the European Green deal.

I hope that we will actively address the challenges and opportunities we face together. And it is up to all of us to do it.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Distinguished colleagues,

I trust that this will be a successful conference with a close exchange and stimulating discussions. And I hope it will provide a clear roadmap for the next four years.

Thank you very much and I wish you a fruitful start into the conference day. Conference Proceedings Conference

10 11 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 chemicals willneedtochemicals move towards low businessmodelsandforest-based carbon solutionscould textiles, sectors packaging Industrial suchasconstruction, or loss, implications. pollutionandhealth should beexploited, ofcourse always tested through thelife-cycle effects onclimate change,biodiversity for opportunity replacingimportant someofthenon-renewable basedproducts withrenewable, andit contribute to beaccelerated thatgoalandcan through useofforest thesustainable resources. There isan increased. Achieving a circular economy, which is one of the central pillars of the Green also can Deal, forestsimportance play sinks. ascarbon Therole forests play inclimate related solutionsshouldbe There are many potential related important contributions andopportunities to forest. We allknow the futureand sustainable requires. relatedsustainability efforts, includingthose related to theeconomictransformation that Europe needs Without forests andforest-based ofthepotential solutions,we part ofour willmissanimportant vision -astrong forests related European Green arm! Deal toother policiesorahelpfulinstrument achieve variousgoals. We political long-term needaholistic Forest policyneeds to bewell coordinated acomplementto withotherpoliciesbutshouldnotbejust Forests but it would need specific attention be a mistake and management, to look at them in isolation. rather andmeasures asasetofdocuments basedonthegeneral orientationsetintheCommunication. European Green shouldnotbeunderstood Deal adopted asaCommunication inDecember2019, but one handandclimate change,biodiversity ontheother. loss, implications pollutionandhealth and forest among them. Natural resources are the bridge between economy and competitiveness on withouttakinginto accountessentialrole discussallthat, One cannot ofnatural resource management, how to address theextra riskdueto covid recovery needs? challenges we have to solve? How to offer enough systemic perspective to guidedecisionmaking? And remain linked oftheimplementation. How to to uncertainty address drivers andpressures to leading growth from resource usewhileacknowledging theneedfor fairtransition. andjust Thereal challenges in contradiction, settingzero netemissionsofGHGby 2050andintroducing theneedfor decoupling also globally-anew growth strategy acknowledging thatenvironmental andeconomicgoalsare not developments atall,important wereNo question triggered by theEuropean Green for Deal Europe, but ministers,Dear ladiesandgentlemen,thankyou for invitation andtrust. at the UNEP, and former EU Commissioner Co-chair ofthe International Resource Panel Mr. Janez Potočnik Key-note Speech monitored andrespecting rules. sustainability products and non-renewable concrete materials suchas plastics, orsteel.Carefully, ofcourse, closely wood into anew range ofwood-based replace solutionsthatcan andenvironmentally outperform fossil help reaching the climate-neutrality. With emerging technologies, we now transform can sustainably Sustainable forestry and forest sector can play also an important role in realising another ambition of the EGD - a socially fair transition and more equitable distribution of prosperity. The way forests are distributed, own and managed and the way forest resources are processed, plays an important role. They offer a great opportunity to distribute jobs, infrastructures, wellbeing and prosperity. Forest sector provides more jobs in Europe than the steel, cement and chemicals industries together, but it is only now hopefully getting proper attention.

Forest-based economy ultimately relies on healthy and resilient forest ecosystems. Therefore, investing in protecting forest-eco systems and biodiversity is a precondition for a sustainable and long-term, also economically sustainable forest sector. This also means that with the right policy framework and incentives a well-functioning forest-based sector can become an important vehicle for eco- system, biodiversity related investments. Public money is of course important and needed, but private investments are needed too.

Let me conclude by sharing with you some basic principles that should guide us:

• All our future efforts, including in the area of forestry, should be guided by sustainability respecting long-term based strategic interest designed by EGD.

• Restoring and protecting the forestry eco-systems, with an aim to enhance biodiversity it hosts, is essential.

• The role of forests as carbon sinks should be increased.

• When evaluating potential forest contributions to the effective adaptation and mitigation climate change policies, life-cycle approach and analyses should be used.

• One should exploit the opportunities forests offer in circular bioeconomy approach by replacing some of the non-renewable resources with renewable wood potential.

• When potential economic use of forest resources is considered, it should be guided by the cascading logic.

• Good, ‘sustainable forest management’ practice matters and should be our aim.

• Protecting public interests should be accompanied with public support, including public funding possibilities.

Dear friends, to conclude. I know that today’s event brought together policymakers also from beyond European Union. My introduction is indeed EU focused, but that is not changing the fact, that messages are valid for all. Forests are our precious natural capital, and they deserve proper attention. Solution, noble as it is, to plant more trees, will unfortunately not solve the forestry and sustainability related problems. The questions are more complex and related to holistic management of forests. We need more and better knowledge, like the one produced by my colleagues from the European Forest Institute. Complexity deserves a self-standing, forest focused reflection and an integrated strategic approach. Yes, different local conditions deserve different solutions, but there is a lot in common we could share and jointly address. Commission does not have an easy job and current debates are quite intense and heated. They do not need additional pressures and lobbying efforts, but rather a sincere help enabling them to empower us all together to deliver important forest related public interests. And today this should be in our mind, in your mind, in the first place.

I wish us good debates and thank you for your attention. Proceedings Conference

12 Ministerial Roundtable 1: Adapting forests to changing climate Climate change is ongoing and, besides the global warming trend (current global temperatures are already 1 degree higher compared to the pre-industrial levels), it is particularly worrying that extreme events are amplified, resulting in extended periods of hot spells and drought. In recent years, European forests have been affected by severe droughts, widespread wildfires, a series of windstorms, and rapidly expanding bark beetle infestations, somewhere accompanied by new invasive pests. Evidence is increasing that these events have become much more frequent and more threatening because of ongoing climate change. What makes this situation different from the past is not only the number of disturbances but also the extent of damage and the fact that severe disturbances are occurring all over Europe even in a single year, often in locations that have not experienced similar events before. It is also noteworthy that observed impacts exceeded the expectations from past impact projections. With continuing climate warming, the current extreme weather patterns may soon become common and the future will probably bring even more extreme temperatures and drought spells. There are calls for adapting forest species composition and a changed silviculture to adapt to changing climate conditions as well as to meet new demands which society puts on forests. There are various approaches to climate-change adaptation and many supporting measures to be considered. A group of experts nominated by signatory countries and the EU coordinated by the Liaison Unit Bratislava (secretariat of FOREST EUROPE in 2016-2020) developed a set of policy recommendations for integration of adaptation measures into sustainable forest management (SFM) in Europe (see https://foresteurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Key-conclusions_CC.pdf). Effective adaptation policies must be responsive to a wide variety of economic, social, environmental and political circumstances. A high priority should be, however, given to the coping with and adapting to forest disturbances while maintaining and enhancing the diversity and resilience of forest ecosystems. The forestry community, as well as the public, need to understand the effects of climate change on forests and determine which adaptive actions could be taken now and in the future to respond to this threat. In this regard, the Bratislava Ministerial Resolution, endorsed at the Conference, has provided a mandate to establish a pan-European forest risk knowledge hub.

Following statements are originals provided by signatories and observers and have not undergone the language editing. Conference Proceedings Conference

14 15 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 recommendations for climate change. forest renewal with and in existing stands, speciestohelp selecting bepreferred during The regions have alsodeveloped tools to crises. during health practices to allow for greater responsiveness observatories andto changetheir legislationand The regions plan to strengthen their forest health that may enrichlitter. lime to plantingholesandencouraging species revitalization of acidified forest soils by adding also be noted that Flanders is experimenting the protecting forest soilsfrom Itshould compaction. There isalsoanincreasing emphasison pool ofspecies. stressing ofexpanding theimportance gene We alsofocus onnatural regeneration while public forest. this approach general isaclear orientation in the silviculture inwhichclear-cutting islimited inarea; microclimate by setting upamixed irregular First ofall,there oftheforest istheconservation forest ecosystems underclimate change Enhancing resilience andadaptive of capacity the country. initiatives implemented in the three regions of thisroundstructuring tablethrough concrete Belgium wishesto answer thefour questions place insuchaspecialcontext. organizers event ofthisimportant whichtakes Belgium would firstlike to warmly thankthe Excellencies, colleagues, dear Department ofthe Walloon Region General Inspector ofthe Nature and Forest Mr. Jean-Pierre Scohy Belgium effective populationcontrol or methods of of gameonforest rejuvenation through more Finally, renewed attention is paid to the impact for the beech. It should be noted that Flanders provenances for themainspeciesandinparticular suitable provenances such as more southern focusparticular onassistedmigration viamore encourage research inforest witha genetics enrich thegeneticbasisofforests andthusto For theregions, ithasbecomeessentialto adaptive capacity of forest owners to increase forest resilience and scientificSupporting knowledge andmotivation protecting young trees. at European level shouldbeconsidered. between thedifferent forest observatories health that better collaborationBelgium suggests relevantbe aparticularly tool inthefuture. European riskmanagementHubwhichshould cooperation; the future it also supports pan- which isaremarkable example ofcross-border theEUFORGENBelgium supports programme, cooperation Increasing transboundary and cross-sectoral development programme. ofthe Europeanspecies aspart Union’s rural the conversion to mixed forests ofindigenous recovery plan.InFlanders, there isalsoaidfor the aidis15millionEuros ofthe andispart climate change and favorable to biodiversity; principles: minimumthree species,adapted to private and public owners, according to specific government to forest support regeneration, for highlight thecurrent initiative oftheWalloon Regarding themotivation oftheowners, letus commercialization ofclimate-resistant species. of forest breeding material, from to identification is working to strengthen acomplete value chain Belgium finally encourages the removal of constraints in the transfer of suitable forest breeding material.

Adapting wood-based industry Belgium identifies two inevitable developments: the change in the nature and structure of the resource, and the emergence of the circular economy. It therefore considers that the following main developments are necessary : An adaptation of the tool and harvesting techniques to mixed and irregular stands. This is the upstream link of the wood industry, which in the future should buy and harvest more and more itself The development of a “form of agility” i.e. an ability to adapt to different sizes and species. It is therefore a question of developing a less rigid industrial tool, less dependent on a “standard” raw material The need for a closer connection of the processing industry with design and implementation (custom industrialization). The development of the use of round woods, especially small ones, as lumber. The development of low-environmental wood protection techniques due to the use of naturally less resistant local wood. The development of wood chemistry to increase the added value of related products. The redevelopment of a local wood processing sector, not only the traditional sector but also the niche products sector and the promotion of the use of local wood. Conference Proceedings Conference

Thank you for your attention

16 17 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 treatments ofinfested timber, oremployment development andimplementationofinnovative both onroads andonrailways storing, andits creation ofconditionsfor transport oftimber included, inter alia,regulation ofplannedfelling, a cooperation across numerous It ministries. Our response was very complex andrequired subsequent forest restoration. protection of forests the bark beetle and against economic situation that endangered both the Low timberpricesleft forest owner incritical timber and subsequent collapse of the market. cuttingledto extraordinarysanitary surplus of and of infested timber volume. The record high ever faced bothinterms ofaffected forest area barkbeetleoutbreakthe biggest thatwe have with unprecedented speed anddeveloped into Unfortunately, sincethanthesituationaggravated composition offorests. to invest into thechange of thetree species Norway spruce,andthat therefore we needed dieback oflesstolerant tree species, namely and more profound periodsofdrought caused ofclimate changeonforests.impacts Thatlonger environmental challenges, suchasadverse I mentionedthatwe, inCzechia, faced At MinisterialConference thelast inMadrid, coronavirus pandemic. despite of unfavourable by conditions caused preparation ofthisMinisterial Conference, and theLiaison UnitBratislava for flawless Mister Minister Mičovský, theSlovak government, First, letmeexpress my deepgratitude to you, Excellences, ladiesandgentlemen, Ministers, Republic Czech Deputy Minister ofAgriculture, Mr. Patrik Mlynář Republic Czech the affected foreststands, but at thesametime forest owners more flexibility whenregenerating involved to amendments theforest law to give of new methods offorest monitoring. Italso prevent repetition ofsuchalarge-scale forest forests We importance. isataskofutmost must adaptation as well as the restoration of damaged displays ofchangingclimate. Therefore, their high area offorests potentially vulnerable to Yet, thecrisisisnotover asthere relatively isstill damaged forests. by forced cutting,andatrestoring sanitary the both atcompensatingtheloss ofincomecaused resilient. We introduced new subsidies,aiming tree speciesandspatialstructure andtherefore to ensure thenew forests are diverse interms of Thank you for your attention. FOREST EUROPE process. ofluckin theupcomingpresidencybest to the Liaisonand thenewly established UnitBonnthe Finally, letmewishMadameMinister Klöckner, are ready to take active role development. inits European forest riskknowledge mechanismand forward to working towards acoordinated pan- European Forests to Climate Change.We look Bratislava Ministerial Resolution on Adapting pan- That is why we the adoption of the fully support Ministers, Ladies andGentlemen, mitigation potential. only well-adapted and resilient forest fulfilits can of forests to as climate getpriority changemust the forests vulnerable to Adaptation disturbances. aboveground biomass;however, itoften makes be achievedThat can by mostly increasing pressures onincreasing stocks carbon inforests. ofcontinuouspolitical superficiality see certain oftheiraccounting.Herein thehistory we can dioxide from forest managementfor thefirsttime our forests, to leading netemissionsofcarbon had also severe balance of on carbon impact Let cutting mealsomentionthathighsanitary infuture.disturbances Cyprus Mr. Charalambos Alexandrou Director of the Department of Forests, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Mister Chairman, The potential contribution of forests in mitigating Your excellencies, distinguished delegates, the effects of climate change seems to be widely recognized. However, crucial remains the Ladies and gentlemen, need to devote tireless efforts to adapt forest Firstly, let me express my sincere appreciation ecosystems, their management, as well as forest and gratitude to the Government of the related societies and economies, to the escalating Slovak Republic for hosting the 8th Ministerial impacts - either direct or indirect – of climate Conference of FOREST EUROPE, especially change. under these peculiar conditions, caused by the Cyprus fully perceives the need for urgent and pandemic. long-lasting actions. We have already set as a key FOREST EUROPE has been contributing priority of our forest policy to strengthen efforts in substantially and positively to the forest-related order to make local forests less vulnerable, more and environmental developments in the pan- resilient and adaptive to climate change, while, European region for the last 30 years. On at the same time, enhancing their mitigating behalf of the Government of Cyprus, I would contribution. like to reaffirm, once more, our strong support In recent years, we have been working on making to this voluntary high-level political process and the forests less vulnerable to wildfires, by actively to reassure our readiness to work together to managing the forest biomass in fire-prone areas, strengthen the sustainable forest management while special care is taken to avoid damages in the region and the globe and face all current on forest biodiversity. Since 2018, an ongoing and future challenges. process has been initiated for the preparation And, we all know that today, one of the most tough and implementation of local plans for forest challenges for forests worldwide is the changing vegetation management, in order reduce the climate and its effects. Scientific evidences risk of fires - and mainly, the development of continue to prove the escalating worsening of mega-fires. Now, we invest more in precautionary its impacts, with unpredictable and threatening measures and infrastructure and in raising public challenges for social security and sustainable awareness in order to broaden the protection of development, undermining the vitality and forests against fires and other risks. resilience of the environment, including forest We work on increasing the resilience of newly ecosystems. Observed changes are faster, established or restored forests against drought greater and more damaging than expected and and adverse climatic conditions, by promoting at rates that exceed the capacity of forest species species well-adapted to the local, drought and ecosystems to adapt. conditions, from well selected provenances. In Cyprus, these effects are generally related to Since 2020, we have initiated the governmental reoccurring and long-lasting droughts and heat scheme “Planting for Climate”, by which we waves, favouring the occurrence and severity provide trees and shrubs to the public, free of of forest fires, insect and disease outbreaks and

charge, for planting, aiming at the expansion of Proceedings Conference die-backs of forest stands. Similar, and even more green open areas. severe effects, occur in the whole pan-European Furthermore, we give more emphasis on region and the globe.

18 19 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Thank you for your attention. We dobelieve theway thatthisisstill forward. rolevital catalytic to thatend. targets importantly, and most have actions, had a evidences andknowledge-based commongoals, for dedicated cooperation, basedonresearch challenges. Political willingnessandreadiness renowned intacklingdifficult history forest related remind process thispolitical that, has alongand IwouldConcluding my like statement, to adaptation measures. issue offacilitatingforest financialsupport dialogueshouldtacklethe In addition,political informed decisionmaking. to broaden theknowledge andfacilitate well- for a strengthened science - policy interface challengeimplies Such amulti-dimensional threeon maintainingits pillars well balanced. Forest remaining Management, fullydevoted focused approach ontheholistic ofSustainable climate change,there is anurgent needto remain Due to thecomplexity of oftheimplications levels. and jointefforts, inapro-active approach, atall cooperation, commonconcerns andaspirations, is aneedfor international andcross-sectoral is principallyaddressed level, atlocal there European forests to theeffects of climate change Although thechallengeofadaptingpan- Ladies andgentlemen, Your Excellencies, Delegates /Distinguished Mister Chairman, outbreaks. anddisease ofpest identification early monitoring forest to andvitality health ensure European Union Mr. Janusz Wojciechowski European Commissioner for Agri- culture and Rural Development

Dear Chairman, are facing, and I would like to highlight three main Dear ministers and delegates, issues: Ladies and gentlemen, • First, the need to address adaptation in a holistic and comprehensive way. Adaptation First of all, on behalf of the European Union, I and mitigation are just the two sides of the would like to congratulate the Slovak Republic and coin. Adaption of forests to climate change is Germany for the organisation of this important crucial for securing the long-term mitigation event. It is a real pleasure and an honour to capacity of our forests. participate in this 8th Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe. This • Secondly, research, innovation and conference reflects more than 30 years of fruitful international cooperation need to be cooperation under the Forest Europe process on strengthened. We need to step up our the protection and sustainable management of efforts to develop science-based forest forests. management approaches. Decision-making and acting in the face of climate uncertainty The subject-matter of this roundtable is of can be facilitated by anchoring decisions in paramount importance. Climate change is the latest science. We already have a robust happening. The world has just concluded the knowledge base for action but further work hottest decade on record during which the title is needed on adaptation, its costs, benefits for the hottest year was beaten eight times. and effects. We must also promote the use The frequency and severity of climate and of digital technologies to underpin decision- weather extremes is increasing. This has caused a making, forest monitoring and risk prevention surge in the number of disasters over the last two and management. decades. These extremes affect particularly our • Thirdly, I would also like to stress the need forests, ranging from unprecedented forest fires to involve all forest stakeholders in this over the last decade not only in Mediterranean endeavour. Forest owners, the forest-based countries to extensive bark beetle outbreaks in industry and the civil society have to be fully Central and Eastern Europe. involved and participate in the development Therefore, there is an urgent need to take action and implementation of sound adaptation and adapt our forests to the changing climate. approaches, development of new business Securing the health and resilience of forest models and efficient use of forest resources ecosystems is crucial for climate, biodiversity, as and the development of the bioeconomy. well as for a resource-efficient and competitive We also need better communication with society economy with lively rural areas and wealthy rural about the importance of forests and forest-based populations. products in the context of climate change and the

The Ministerial Resolution provides a sound and Proceedings Conference objective of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. coherent approach to the main challenges we

20 21 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Thank you very muchfor your attention. developmentsustainable goals. a key tool for effectively contributing to many forestour vision of sustainable management as towardsthe society thestateofourforests and understanding and empathy ofmany sectors of in shapingthem,order to improve the of cultural, and demographic historical factors ofourforeststhe singularity andtheinfluence tocapacity show andexplain to thesociety their viability, to reinforce itisnecessary our andwithclimatecontext, changechallenging has gainedenormous attention recently. Inthis for addressing key objectives sustainability but also relevant to this one. The role of forests related to theBratislava Ministerial Declaration, refer to thetopic ofthenext session,whichis Finally, Chairmen, dear letmealsoverybriefly Finland Mr. Jari Leppä Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

Your excellency president Čaputová, dear that should be done together, at pan-European ministers, dear colleagues. level. I wish to warmly thank Slovakia and Germany Concerning “how wood-based industry can for organising this eight ministerial conference. adapt to changing quality and quantity of wood To Finland, the pan-European forest process supplies”, I see that the industry is quite flexible, has always been very important. Every country as long as we do not prepare too detailed policies has the responsibility for its own forests, but this and legislation, which stipulate how and for what process has provided a political forum to discuss purpose the wood should be used. and further develop the concept of sustainable Finally, dear ministers and colleagues, I wish to forest management and everything it entails. assure that Finland is committed to the Forest The panel discussion that we just saw shows that Europe process. We need to take care of our we have chosen well the topic of our ministerial forests, and we need to do that together. resolution; Adapting forests to changing climate. Important thing to remember is, that active, Thank you very much! sustainable forest management is needed to keep our forests healthy and resilient. Without active management, different forest damage, such as those caused by pests or forest fires, will become even more common. Well-managed forests are less prone to forest damage, grow better, mitigate climate change, safeguard biodiversity and offer good possibilities for recreation. Silvicultural practices need to be constantly developed to take climate change into account. This is an area where we need more research and experience; which are the silvicultural practices that best help forests to adapt to climate change? This is a new aspect of SFM, and our work continues, as it has continued for decades. In the resolution, we rightly acknowledge that pests and many other causes of forest damage are transboundary. Risk prevention and early warning systems are essential in safeguarding our forests. For this reason, we strongly support the work towards a pan-European Forest Risk Proceedings Conference Mechanism. It is an excellent example of work

22 23 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Lidar technology. Itwillbeusedthroughout our knowledge inthisarea, through inparticular innovation. We have chosen to invest inimproving First of all, by investing massively in research and achieve this? year, which is colossal. So, how are we going to capture anadditional150,000 tons ofCO2each These 50milliontrees willmake itpossible to reconstitute those thathave beendamaged. also to regenerate theexistingforests andto million trees to increase theplanted areas but work servesanambitious purpose: to plant50 from research to innovation This andeducation. result ofintense andcollective work onallaspects, owners, researchers experts, Itisthe andNGOs. a roadmap withallthestakeholders: managers, of the French recovery plan. We first worked on This iswhy we have placedforests attheheart toour commitments neutrality carbon by 2050. transition,the ecological inachieving particularly Forests are real sinks carbon andplay akey role in forestry andwood throughout industries Europe. resilience ofourforests andsafeguard jobsinthe therefore now act anddecisively to increase the increased proliferation We pests. ofcertain must us.They createalert favourable conditionsfor the droughts ofrecent years are signalsthatshould change. Theriseintemperatures andthe theadaptationofourforeststheme: to climate We are gathered around anabsolutely essential ministerial conference ofForest Europe. pleasure to address you at this pan-European Good afternoon to ofyou, each itisagreat Minister ofAgriculture and Food Mr. Julien Denormandie France we take must along-term view. Theforest is generations. Iamconvinced thatto beeffective, But alsoby makingacommitmentto future France for thenext five years. Finally, we move must forward by creating a fund management ofourforests inthefuture. generations thatwilltake over thesustainable ways ofpassingonthisforestry heritageto the comes to school)operation. Theseare great through the“La forêt s’invite àl’école” forest (The been launchedinFrance to thisend,inparticular Severalcontinent. projects educational have forest managementthroughout theEuropean generations ofthechallengessustainable essential to raise awareness among the younger a longterm project.Thatiswhy Ibelieve itis see you soon. theme that brings us all together and I say to you: I wishyou richandfruitful exchanges onthis diversification ofourforests. also inadetermined for action therenewal and raising theawareness ofthenew generations, but innovation, inthelong-term in and inparticular That thisimpliedaninvolvement inresearch and this afternoon thatFrance’s ambitionwas total. in moving forward collectively. I wanted to say the European Commission will be of great help managedby scientific andfinancialinstruments, particularly convinced thattheinstruments, to respond to thischallenge.Similarly, Iam our cooperation between European States I alsoknow of countonthequality thatIcan diversify ourforests. with this plan of 150 million euros to renew and we goforward must withgreat determination is obviously great, butthestakes are sohigh, the seedandseedlingindustry. Thechallenge and diversify their forests, aswell asto support forest owners, bothpublicandprivate, to renew change of150millioneuros. Itaimsto help for renewal andadaptationofforests to climate Greece Mr. Georgios Amyras Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy

Honorable ministers, distinguished delegates, protection for forests and woodlands. In recent ladies and gentlemen, years we are updating our forest policy and trying It‘s a great pleasure to participate in this conference to strengthen our forests’ resilience. and I would like to warmly congratulate the The National Forest Strategy, adopted for 2018- Minister of Slovakia for co-organizing the Eighth 38, represents a big step towards implementing FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference, under sustainable forest management and the prevailing conditions of the global pandemic. strengthening the multifunctional role of forest It’s worth noting the importance of Forest ecosystems. Europe process in promoting Sustainable Forest Sustainable forest management provides a sound Management at national and regional levels conceptual framework for building resilience. and of course in taking significant decisions and To increase resilience of forests and trees to improving general understanding of how forest climate change through management of forests: ecosystems and their sustainable management • We establish a national forest inventory and policies can contribute to the transition to a system; green economy. • We implement a national reforestation plan in As a Mediterranean country with hundreds/ order to plant more than 30.000.000 trees in thousands of islands, Greece is highly vulnerable the next decade; to the impact of climate change. Greece is • We adopt new technical specifications for the prone to extreme climate events and regularly development; experiences heat waves, droughts, floods and forest fires. Decreasing precipitation and rising • We publishing new guidelines to develop mean temperatures are already affecting the forest fire protection plans for each forest economy and ecosystems. In recent years, we service station in the country. are already observing various forms of climate Forests with their multiple environmental, change consequences in our country. In the economic and social services are essential to life summer of 2018, the Attica fire in Greece was on earth and all together have to work more on nevertheless among the deadliest worldwide in the adaptation of forest to climate change. terms of human casualties. Although total burned area has decreased in the Thank you for your attention. past decade, wildfire risk is projected to increase in Greece and in Southern Europe in general. Integration of biodiversity goals in national forestry policy has a relatively long tradition. For more than a century Greece is applying Conference Proceedings Conference sustainable management practices for logging and grazing and has adopted strong legal

24 25 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 a plan-basedforest managementincorporating to maintainforest Thereliable stands. solutionis a priority, however, they are not sufficient per se processes, aswell astheirprofessional as support conditions allow, we considermonitoring natural beensured.of financiallosses must Where reasons for target, compensation suchaheadline areactivities restricted due to well-grounded Wheremanagement activities. management through restriction significant ortermination of in therecent often decades, to beachieved recreation, have become more and more decisive in terms ofclimate andbiodiversity protection and towardsExpectations forest ecosystem services important. to thechangingnatural conditionsisespecially practical experiences andto adapt dynamically scientific knowledge to andcapable integrate therefore, active forest managementbasedon offorests, adaptationcapacity of biological of climate changeiswell beyond thepotential thespeed As experienceddecades, inthelast forests andimprove for theircapacity adaptation. the solid basis to manage, maintain and protect Europe, anddiverse nationalpractices, remain commonly elaborated in the framework of Forest forestand multifunctional management hundredthe last years. Principlesofsustainable prominent challengeofforest managementin and related adaptation have beenthemost It ishardly thatclimate questionable change gentlemen, misterChairman,Dear excellencies, ladiesand Minister ofAgriculture Mr. István Nagy Hungary their services can bepreserved can their services andmaintained ecosystem conditions,whereby forests and long-term goalswithdueattention to site and dialog amongsociety, stakeholders andforesters. international level and strengthen the coordinated Europe process share can experiences atan initiatives oftheforestry community. TheForest fora andshouldbestrengthened can by the through theirprofessional knowledge. National with realistic andlong-term practical solutions crucial; they shouldharmonize socialdemands the role offorestry professionals asintegrators as We forest considersustainable managementand conditions. tailoredwith managementactivities to local the experts involvedthe experts in the preparation of the I would like to take to congratulate the opportunity on Forests inEurope. negotiations on the Legally Binding Agreement among European Forests Signatories to resume We are disappointed to see the lack of consensus Declaration to besignedhere. incorporated into theBratislava Ministerial thatthisproposalespecially satisfied hasbeen information related to climate change.We are in order to more collect reliable andharmonized proposed to improve forest monitoring activities At theMadridMinisterial Conference, Hungary special attention to thisarea inourfuture actions. therefore require specialcare. We intend to pay on nationalpractices traditions, andlocal and measures are to subject site conditions,based damages asagreater challenge.Adaptation we considertheeffective prevention of forest European knowledge mechanism,however, effectively intheframe established ofthe Pan- measures, thefora bequicklyand ofwhichcan related to forest andrecovery disturbances We international support knowledge exchange documents to be adopted at this conference. Hungary agrees with the contents of the documents and supports their adoption. Finally, I would like to thank the Slovak Government and the German Government for the organisation of the Eighth Ministerial Conference, as well as the Liaison Unit Bratislava for their high quality work carried out in the wake of the Madrid Conference and I wish every success to the Liaison Unit Bonn.

Thank you for your attention! Conference Proceedings Conference

26 27 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 striking is the impact of ash dieback disease. of ash dieback disease. is the impact striking andparticularly incidence ofsomediseases, InIreland, we have alsoexperienced anincreased bark beetleonourforests. ofthespread seethe devasting impacts can of of frosts are decreasing. And across Europe, we than it did in the 1970searlier and the incidence In Ireland, we seethatspringisoccurring can from Impacts Because climate changeare real. adapttocan achangingclimate. only occurifwe have forests thatare resilient and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Butthiswill acrossother actions the globe willbe crucial in dioxide from theatmosphere andcombinedwith The role offorests inremoving andstoringcarbon across many andspecies. habitats change will continue to have impacts significant ofrisingtemperatures.to theimpacts Climate regulating ourclimate but they are alsovulnerable The world’s forests play role an important in tomorrow. resolutions and declarations that we will sign to show Irelands for support theMinisterial adapting forests to achangingclimate, Iwanted The topic before ustoday isthechallengeof conference in1990. continues to buildonthesuccessesoffirst preparing this8thMinisterialconference which to thanktheorganisers for theirhard work in the excellent work ofForest Europe. Iwould like I amdelighted to acknowledge andsupport Minister ofState withresponsibility for Forestry On behalfoftheIrishGovernment andas Biodiversity Minister ofState for LandUse and Ms. Pippa Hackett Ireland our landscape and ash in particular has a special andashinparticular our landscape with climate changeitishaving on asimilar impact isnotdirectlyAlthough thisdisease associated adaptation strategies for thefuture. to apath chart identifythelikely risks and together existingknowledge andexpertise resources. Theseplansare andbring important Development of forest and Conservation genetic Adaptation Plan and a strategy for the Sustainable In Ireland, we have recently publishedaClimate change. climate by impacted forests restoring andalsofor ofdiseases, managing theimpact scienceandtechnologySupporting iscrucialto place inIrishcultural heritage. andsporting This new strategy willstrengthen ourvisonfor farmers, groups. andcommunity industry, environmentalists, state agencies, of stakeholders-including those from the forest developed with a broad in conjunction range of a new Irish Forest Strategy. This will be Woodland” whichwillincludethe development have anew initiative established “Project called As Minister withresponsibility for Forestry, I systems. increase speciesdiversity and management We recognise oftheneedto theimportance biodiversity andhabitatcreation. water quality, andindeedto supporting purposes- from timberproduction, to enhancing planting ofarange oftree speciesfor arange of strategies. InIreland, we are incentivisingthe essential enablerto delivering onnational National Forestry programmes are alsoan policy into thefuture. in providing thedatato drive andinform forest the national and European level will be crucial work ofnationalforest inventories. Monitoring at continue to the monitor andsupport planthealth alsostressI must oftheneedto theimportance forestry and chart a new path for our forests in a changing climate, and in a time of changing societal demands. We also need to recognise the importance of using wood when produced from sustainably managed forests. Timber, and the growing bioeconomy will play an ever-increasing role in locking up carbon and replacing materials made from non-renewable fossil fuels. However, climate change also has the capacity to disrupt the regular flow of timber and we have seen market fluctuations due to increases in salvage felling due to pests and diseases. These events require forest owners and markets to adapt and we must work with all stakeholders to find solutions to deal with these events. Forests are such an intrinsic part of our landscape that we must cherish for future generations. In our capacity as Ministers, and the citizens that we represent, we must provide the conditions for leadership, be visionary in our approach, and encourage collaboration across society. We know that our forests are vulnerable to climate change. Individually we do not have all the answers, but if we continue to work collectively, we can develop shared solutions that will build a more resilient landscape and a brighter and greener future for all of our forests, and for all the people and species who depend on them.

Thank you. Conference Proceedings Conference

28 29 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 United Nation2030 Agenda. This isapolicy developmentof sustainable asoutlinedinthe forests inparticular, atthecentre ofanew idea place natural environments, biodiversity and adopted to containtheCovid19 pandemic, and accentuatedDeal by therecent policies the European Union,represented by theGreen Central European countries. The new policy of as those by already Bostrich, experienced in the development ofmajorparasitic attacks such The consequencesoftheseevents to alsolead due to recorded virulenceofthephenomenon. an increase inthe frequency ofterrible years known intheMediterranean area, hasalsoseen phenomenon of forest fires, unfortunately well damage was felt by the entire forestry sector. The hectares offorests intheEastern Alpsandwhose years Vaia) (called whichdestroyed thousandsof experienced thefirstreal windstorm inrecent and relative adaptation. As an example, Italy of climate changefavoring theirmitigation totheir ability show down the negative effects takes onanunprecedented relevance dueto In thisworrying framework, therole offorests organization ofcitizens. have onthelife apalpableimpact andsocial climatic phenomena,sometimesextreme, which tochanges andissubject theoccurrence of Mediterranean, exposed isparticularly to these Italy, located in the center as a country of the and marineecosystems andoureconomies. onourdailylivesimpact aswell asonterrestrial Ongoing climate change is having a profound Forestry Policies Minister ofAgriculture, Food and Mr. Stefano Patuanelli Italy In recent years, Italyhaspublishedthenew objectives. in which Italy firmly committed to achieving its European Biodiversity Strategy 2030, published EU Forestry Strategy, whichisderived from the will enableusto alignwiththenew post-2020 published at theend of this year, andwhich new nationalforestry strategy, whichwillbe As aresult oftheseissues,we are finalizing the Europe. asdeveloped(SFM) by theprocesses ofForest focusing forest onthesustainable management account all the forest and services eco-systemic which aimsto enhancetheirvalue, takinginto framework law onforests andforest supplychains, management ofEuropean forests. reap positive results inthecare andsustainable toparticipation future hopingto activities, soon today Iconfirm Italy’s commitmentandactive the work carried outby Forest Europe and appreciation of the Italian Government for IwouldIn thiscontext, like to underlinethe yearlast by theEuropean Commission. Luxembourg Ms. Carole Dieschbourg Minister of Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development

Dear colleagues, construction. The objective is to adapt the sector Faced with the uncertainty of the magnitude and to improved sustainability and circular economy frequency of the effects of climate change on standards, while contributing to the mitigation of forests, Luxembourg supports forest owners to climate change. favor the precautionary principle by strengthening But above all, we will establish in 2021 a payment the biodiversity of forest ecosystems, because system for ecosystem services for resilient diversity is the essential ingredient of greater forests. A premium of 150 euros will be granted resilience. per hectare and per year and can be upgraded to In order to enhance biodiversity and resilience 250 euros in the Natura 2000 network. The forest in private forest, we increased our aid to forest stands benefiting from the premium must have owners for at least fifty percent of native hardwood trees. Close to nature sylviculture has to be applied and • the restoration of degraded forests and forest the biodversity of the forests must be favored by biotopes maintaining a minimum of old and dead trees. • the conversion of monocultures into This payment system should make it possible structured mixed forests, to maintain the supply of all essential services • the adaptation of tree species to local in these forests (biodiversity, CO2 storage, water conditions protection, air filtering, social benefits) and reduce • the protection of forest soils. the intensity of logging which was previously In public forests, we systematically apply close necessary to ensure profitability, hence the to nature sylviculture, making the best use of possibility of improving the mitigation effect of natural structures and processes and assuring forests, which is also a contribution to short-term a permanent forest cover, including an objective adaptation. We would be happy to share our and of at least 5% of non-intervention forests. Wood other experiences on paying for forest ecosystem harvesting has been reduced to a maximum of services with partners and countries within Forest 60% of the natural increment in semi-natural Europe because I am convinced that paying for broad leaf forests. ecosystem services will be essential for fighting We also try to create enabling conditions for climate change. better forest resilience by cross-sectorial actions. In order to prepare for long-term adaptation Our best example is the achievement of a better Luxembourg participates in the pan-European forest-game balance by enforcing minimum EUFORGEN network to identify and monitor hunting plans and a total prohibition of game the genetic diversity and adaptation potential of feeding ; in fact, high densities of game reduce forest trees. the diversity of regenerations through selective Dear colleagues, browsing, and have therefore a strong negative Despite scientific advances, adapting forests impact on the adaptive capacity of forests. and the forest sector to climate change is above

Concerning the wood-based sector, Luxembourg all a matter of changing mentalities and good Proceedings Conference is running an innovative wood cluster initiative coordination and support of a multitude of since the year 2018 with a special focus on wood initiatives.

30 31 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 environmental resources, valuing and promoting In thisvein, we remain committed to protect our promote andwater soilstability retention. implementing ecosystem-based approaches that forest by avoiding monocultures, aswell as genetic indigenousspecies,promoting mixed be enhancedby for example takingstockoflocal and adaptive of forest capacity ecosystems can areaimportant We ofaction. believe thatresilience from theeffects ofclimate change remain an The protection ofournatural resources andforest their prospects. affecting their andhence range anddistribution, various direct and indirect pressures andthreats species andtheirgeneticdiversity by reducing at improving oftree thestatus andwoodland of related sectors in Malta. Itwill also contribute concerns into the plans, programmes and policies integrateand further forestation andrestoration policy driver to promote trees andwoodlands Woodlands. ThisStrategy willserveasanational National Strategy andActionPlanonTress and Strategy, andAction Planandourforthcoming targets emanatingfrom ourNationalBiodiversity resources, to attain the implementation of We remain committed to fullyvalue such ecosystems. the restoration ofbiodiversity andnatural climate changeresilience andeven facilitate inenhancing our play function animportant our country, we recognise still thatforestry can Despite thevery limited presence of forest in to shareopportunity ourexperiences. of forestryon the importance and offer us the Thank you Chair for facilitating discussions Environment, Climate Change and Planting Permanent Secretary ofthe Ministry for the Mr. Joseph Caruana Malta protect so to ourecosystem reduce services, spaces, maximisegreen infrastructure, and national parks and embellishmentofotherpublic nature-based solutions,upkeep andmaintain capacity building.Wecapacity have introduced successful management ofournatural parks by addressing Hence, we have recently improved the and habitatrestoration. biodiversity, ourindigenousspecies particularly trees, facilitate whichcan theregeneration of which entailafforestation andplanting of areas, we are committed to implement initiatives, resulting inatightlykniturbanandrural urban parcel landsizes anddenselypopulated territory Despite limitationsdueto ourclear our small pollution and so protect of our citizens. the health important event. important discussionsthroughand augursuccessful this Mr Chair, Iwishto thankyou for thisopportunity onournaturaland theirimpact resources. topolicies andaction mitigate suchoccurrences well and be able to as illegal activities develop invasive andnon-native species, fly-tipping, as knowledge and capacity. We are focusing on ofgeographiccollection datato continuebuilding environmental andstakeholders, NGOs inthe aswell ascooperatethe public, withlocal are continuouslypromoting interaction with the value ofnature oflives. onourquality We our efforts and increase public awareness on Moreover, we alsoremain committed to continue enforcement andprotection ofoursites. control ofinvasive species,together withstrong monitoring ofplanted trees andinitiatives to of environmental rehabilitation projects, the initiatives andprojects, includingmonitoring This initiative willcomplement various green infrastructures. sites, rural areas, andthedevelopment ofgreen together with our scientific team on Natura 2000 we have a team of rangers, which is working the notionsofparkrangers for thefirsttime.Now Portugal Mr. João Pedro Matos Fernandes Minister of Environment and Climate Action

Excellencies, dimensions – economic, social and environmental. Distinguished delegates, So, it is urgent to identify techniques which ensure a faster adaptation in order to avoid the risk of Ladies and gentlemen, losing natural capital and the multiple benefits of Our forests face many challenges and, for sure, the forests. Working together, within the scope climate change is among the major challenges of the Forest Europe Process and in cooperation ones. Since the early start of this ministerial with relevant international organisations, and process, back in 1990, this has been a topic of stakeholders is the way forward. paramount importance in the ministerial agenda. The Portuguese experience is based on the Nevertheless, despite our efforts, the urgency search for innovative ways to address the to tackle climate change has only increased. multiple risks of climate change. Thus, we have Therefore, the theme of this conference and been reframing and adjusting our forest policy the documents we are about to sign are crucial, instruments as well as their governance having timely scheduled and inspiring. climate change and the subsequent adaptation On this occasion let me highlight Portugal’s of the forest sector as the main driving forces of commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 the revision and extension of our forest-related and underline the relevance that forests play legislation, plans and programs. as an important component of our roadmap I would like to draw your attention to some of the towards that goal. main measures. Climate change mitigation and adaptation The revision of Regional Forest Management measures have to be mutually supportive and we Programs where climate scenarios were applied should promote synergies between them. When to identify which species will be better adapted, it comes to forests this is of outmost importance, in the future, to the new climate parameters. This as climate change may affect their sink capacity. approach is now supporting the forest owner’s In this regard, our efforts should be focused on choices in their forest management plans as well reinforcing sustainable forest management, as afforestation and reforestation projects. through a flexible approach based on the best and up-to-date scientific knowledge, to manage, We also have developed a new National Integrated conserve and sustainable develop all types of Fire Management Plan, where we address the use forests. Forests’ adaptation to climate change of fire by the population, especially for grazing, cannot be seen as an isolated component of the professional use of fire in prevention and in forest management but rather as one of its fire management itself and a reinforcement of the building blocks. governance of the fire prevention system. We must increase our efforts towards a more We are also working with all relevant actors to resilient forest. Due to the long-life cycle of forests, improve the land use planning at landscape level, Conference Proceedings Conference waiting for forest ecosystems to adjust naturally to while promoting stronger territorial cohesion. We climate change may entail unbearable costs in all target territories that present vulnerabilities, with

32 33 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Thank you Restoring Europe’s Forests”. to the Webinar that we are organising in May “on Council oftheEU, Iwould alsolike to invite you is now holdingtherotating Presidency ofthe resilience to adaptto climate change.AsPortugal work together withallofyou to enhanceforests’ I concludereaffirming Portugal’s commitment to Finally, andparticipants, colleagues distinguished to promote prone indesertification zones. are nature-based solutions that we strongly seek regulation ofthewater cycle andwater quality, again forests, dueto theirpositive role onthe no longerseenasextraordinary events. Once These effects are already arefelt in our country toleading an increased risk of desertification. out for increasing droughts andwater scarcity, resources. Climate changescenarios point clearly ofclimatewhich istheimpact changeonwater toimportance theMediterranean countries Allow meto emphasize ofutmost anotheraspect change. a view to preventing risks andadaptingto climate Romania Mr. Barna Tánczos Minister of Environment, Water and Forests

Your excellencies, characteristics of forest tree species and climate Ladies and gentlemen, change scenarios, were recently done across Europe and, also in Romania. Please allow me to express my sincere appreciation and congratulate the Slovak Republic We, as political decision-makers, have the for organizing the 8th Forest Europe Ministerial responsibility to take science-based decisions Conference, especially in these challenging times having in mind how the future might look like in generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. terms of climate and society expectations related to forests. Finding a common agreement on the actions we have to perform today for a better tomorrow, It is well known that forests play a key role also many times is a demanding task! in carbon sequestration. Thus, our goal is to increase the forest area in Romania, especially Romania supports the Forest Europe process, as in those parts that are vulnerable to climate part of European and global efforts to adapt and change, for example in the southern part of the reduce climate change impact. country, where desertification represents a major Our forestry system promotes natural types of threat. Significant steps were done in the last two forests and also natural regeneration by using decades, thousands of sandy soils being forested. local species and provenances, such as local We plan to continue this initiative and to establish genetic material that is adapted both to local a real green barrier in order to stop the spread of site conditions and climate. Currently, mixed desertification. naturally-regenerated stands are promoted as Afforestation with tree and shrub species that will they are more stable and resilient to the climate rapidly adapt to the changing climate, represents change effects. the most cost-effective solution in fighting climate Romanian forests have been spared from heavy change! We are interested to share best practices impacts due to climate change compared to and knowledge because we believe that together forests across Western and Central Europe, we are stronger in fighting climate change! where there have been severe damages made Transboundary and cross-sector cooperation is mainly by bark beetles attacks, drought, forest mandatory! fires, windstorms and invasive species. Ladies and Gentlemen, We understood that nature gave us important This is the time to give more attention to the lessons! forest as a whole, as a complex ecosystem that Therefore, the support of science is definitely should not be significantly disturbed. It is also needed to better understand how species will mandatory to develop and implement the best migrate both in terms of latitude and altitude solutions related to wood processing in order to based on existing climate scenarios. Multi- increase the value of the wood-based products. disciplinary research, such as the ones that Proceedings Conference Also, let’s not forget about forestry education combine the genetic approaches, ecological and awareness! Forests should be regarded as

34 35 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Thank you for your attention! be taken atmultilateral level. stepping stonesfor thefuture forestry to actions forests to climate change,represent important Ministerial Resolution on adaptingpan-European Future We Want: The Forests We Need”andthe strong beliefthattheMinisterial Declaration “The Considering the afore mentioned reasons, it is my pan-European forests to climate change! in order to solutionsfor findthebest adapting and otherstakeholders aspects willbeimportant makers, forest owners, foresters, NGOs, scientists, andalsoonEuropeanscale, level between policy We believe thatstrong partnershipsbothonlocal etc.). depended onforests (for shelter, food, revenue that thelives of1.2-1.4 billionpeopleare directly biodiversity andreducing pollution.Itisestimated increasing oflife, thequality inpreserving worldwide, and their importance insustaining vital contributors to our daily life, considering Slovak Republic Mr. Ján Mičovský Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

Distinguished ministers, make clear, that it might not be the only tool but it Dear colleagues, provides resilient, stable forests with their beauty and productivity. I would like to start expressing my gratitude for your contribution and I would like to enrich Dear Colleagues, our discussion with two remarks, that Slovakia Close to nature forest management is the consider as important. The first one is linked with answer for stable and productive forests in its the commonly used term in this Conference: full complexity. Wood is not the paramount Sustainable forest management. This concept is or superior forest product, but water, air, soil, really important and it expresses our selflessness, recreation are also of supreme importance. This our respect for forests, our efforts to do everything brings me to my second remark: complex forest for forests that they can make genetically encoded production, which is also needs to be supported. well, our humility and hope, but especially our Complex forest production must be supported responsibility for our descendants to inherit the politically, economically and by education. Even forests in the same or even a better condition in Slovakia with its rich forestry history not than we received them. everyone is convinced about this approach so we When it comes to sustainable management, we must demonstrate that this a way forward. cannot carry out any operation without a tool As we support sustainable forest management, of high quality. If a surgeon wants to make heart it is time to also provide support for close to transplantation, he needs adequate instruments nature forest management, it is the way to make and with this example I would like to point out everyone rich in Europe and to have healthy, to European forests, our steps must lead to new stable and beautiful country, country which can heart for them and help them. In order to handle handle the climate change. such operation, it is necessary to have the top- Forests cannot be compared to a bank, where level tools, which is in my view, the concept of we withdraw money; forests are an insurance close to nature forest management. company for our healthy future to which Europe has developed this concept through investments are needed. complex historical developments – from unregulated clearcutting, to reforestation of Thank you! regulated clear-cut areas, gradually moving to natural regeneration through undergrowth management methods. The continuing development led us to the superior tool called close to nature forest management, which we believe, is the way paved for forest management of the 21st century, and with this instrument we Proceedings Conference can get through the challenges ahead. Let me

36 37 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 situations with very important risks ofus. ahead situations withveryimportant But atthesametime,we needto handledifferent us, thatwe needto keep, we needto preserve. that we have values in front very important of our environment, includingwildfires. Sowe know also aboutthegreat ofClimate impact Changein areas, we are thinkingofmarvellousspecies,but When we talkaboutforests intheMediterranean is absolutely key. care andtheproper managementofourforests how fastweassessing how improve can best, the based solutions;understanding how they react; policies are taken into consideration: science- pieceinorderan important to ensure thatproper why IthinkthattheBratislava Resolution isquite ecosystem isquitefor important any ofus.Thisis ofinterrelationswhat type withinthesameforest ofinterrelationtype we have withforests, and forests; understanding how they work, what wisepractices with intelligent, whendealing This ecosystemic approach to forests is key: these services. of them are in order very important to provide that there are different kindsof forests, butall face andwe enforce. Andsometimeswe forget of management of our forestrythe type that we rich biodiversity, relies of forests, on the type and To countonfresh water, fresh air, healthy soils, wealth, for ourlife, for ourpeople,for ourchildren. on healthy forests issuefor isanimportant our Sometimes, we forget to whatextent counting messagge to Conference. thisvery important It iswithgreat pleasure thatIsend my short the Demographic Challenge Minister for the Ecological Transition and 4 Ms. Teresa Ribera Rodríguez Spain This is why we think that taking into consideration within thedifferent sectoral policiesisimportant. This iswhy Ithinkthatthestrong cooperation th Vice President ofthe Government and our commoneffort to preserve them. Spain: we count on our forests and we count on very interesting proposal counton andplease, Congratulations, Germany andSlovakia, for this key inthetimesto come. proper aiminorder to preserve ourforests willbe better understandingandthepromotion ofa thegoodpractices, butalso the management, in order to succeed.Theprotection, thegood also with the external dimension of forests is key forests policies,but withdomestic whendealing Switzerland Mr. Michael Reinhard Head of the Forest Division, Federal Office for the Environment

“No mitigation without adaptation - Switzerland’s 2016, recognizing that early adaptation is far approach to secure the multiple benefits of more economically sensible than restoration forests in a changing climate” of damages. An additional 20 million Swiss Francs per annum – continuing financing which Ladies and gentlemen, honorable ministers, dear started in 2018 - will support forest owners for colleagues targeted tending of their forests. This finances I would like to share with you how Switzerland both regeneration of protective forests and addresses and promotes the adaptation of rejuvenation programs to influence species forests to climate change through close-to nature composition adapted to climate change so that forests and sustainable and multi-functional the Confederation can guarantee that forest forest management. ecosystems will provide their services also in the future. Results of multi-year research are easily In the mountainous ecosystems of Switzerland, accessible online to forest experts. Experimental the multiplication of droughts and high planting of climate-adapted tree species has been temperatures- the impacts of climate change- initiated and will be analyzed. could gravely disrupt or even destroy essential forest services. These include crucial protection Recently, and starting from 2021, additional from avalanches, rock fall, mudslides or flooding. funding of 25 million Swiss Francs per annum has been agreed by the Swiss parliament for Our forest adaptation research program predicts supporting forest owners in establishing resilient that the gradual consequences of climate and adapted forests. change will lead to a drastic displacement of zones of vegetation from 500 meters to 700 Ladies and gentlemen – this means in a nutshell: meters by 2080. For example, many coniferous • Forest owners, forest managers and forests, which today grow at lower altitudes, government agencies are lobbyists and will be replaced by deciduous forests. On the ambassadors for forests. They must inform on ground, climate change is happening so quickly the risks pertaining to forests and ensure that that it compromises the natural adaptation of the forest adaptation needs are integrated multifunctional forests and therefore the forest into climate-relevant political processes at services that may be available. international and national level. Ten years ago, these observations by Swiss forest • Forests must be adapted to climate change, scientists were the trigger for taking up the topic otherwise their mid-and long term forest of adaptation of forests to climate change, at services will be endangered and their both scientific and political levels, in documents benefits to society will be reduced if not lost. including the current Forest Policy, the National No mitigation without adaptation! Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan, and the revised Federal Forest Law. Proceedings Conference Thank you very much The Swiss parliament revised the Forest Law in

38 39 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 As aresult inthis area, ofdedication Turkey isthe information forest insustainable management. and practice level by harmonizing scientific Therefore, Turkey takes atthepolicy boldactions managedandresilientsustainably forests. decision-makerswhich assists to buildup Plan for Climate ChangeAdaptation ofForestry Within thisperspective, Turkey hasaStrategic effectively. are facing andwe shouldrespond quicklyand forest fires are the mainchallengesthatwe Deforestation, degradation ofecosystems and should protect andmanageproperly. woodlands, andforests are theareas thatwe effects before itis too late. Therefore, the trees, However, possible to itisstill reduce harmful its climatecause change. Frankly thethingswe speaking, didandwe didn’t, ofdailylife.it isapart orprojections,the estimations as a matter offact, Today, ofclimate changeare theimpacts beyond globalproblem.another important Besides theeffects oftheCovid-19, we have Ladies andGentlemen, and alllivingcreatures onearth. protection offorests matters for nature, humanity, I believe andevery thateach stepfor the meeting onforests. address you, onthemargin ofthishigh-level I would like expressing to start my gratitude to colleagues, Dear ministers,Distinguished Forestry Minister ofAgriculture and Mr. Pakdemirli Bekir Turkey is alsohighlighted by FAO in theGlobal Forest net gaininforest area for This decade. thelast inEurope country leading for anaverage annual national awareness-raising “Breath Campaign, for toBesides, Iamvery pleased mentionour seeds thisyear. year,last with274 millionsaplingsand144tons of our production has increased by 7% compared to Therefore, seedproduction continueand activities billion saplingsby 2023. 20years,the last andwe aimto reach to plant7 have planted atotal of5.24 billionsaplingsin To increase theforest value ofourcountry, we Resources AssessmentReport 2020. During theforest fires, we have to started use Mediterranean countries. burned forest area perfire, compared to other the EFFISannualreport 2019, Turkey hasless Regarding 10-year thelast forest fire dataof issueaswell…important Forest fires. I would like to bringyour attention to another Participants, Dear the 11thofNovember inyour own countries I would like to invite you allto on jointheoccasion incredible ownership amongourcitizens. year,saplings each created thiscampaign an Even thoughTurkey 300million almost plants countries. in2020campaign of25 with theparticipation initiative was transformed into aninternational year,Last eventhisnational thepandemic, saplings withinanhour. record by plantingthemaximumnumberof Also, broke thisCampaign theGuinness world and 13.8millionsaplingswere planted inoneday. NationalAfforestation“the Day” by ourPresident the Future”. In2019, November 11was declared as UAVs to detect the location to respond early and As Turkey, we are ready for being a hub in the effectively. Mediterranean Region to combat forest fires with This year 234 fires have been detected with our current infrastructure. UAV’s. By this way, we were able to respond to Here, I would like to offer a new collaboration for fires within 12 minutes. Our new focus is to reduce all the member countries. the response time to 10 minutes by 2023.

On the other hand, we have provided aerial Dear Colleagues, support to 34 forest fires in 10 different We are continuing to our efforts for contributing countries. We have the world’s largest forest fire to the goals of UN Conventions, and Sustainable extinguishing helicopter, MI 26, in our aerial fleet. Development Goals. Considering the importance of early response And, Turkey supports the Pan-European to forest fires, an International Forestry Training perspective of Forest Europe today, as it was Center which is located on Mediterranean cost, in yesterday. Antalya, was established to enhance national and I believe this meeting will lead us to further regional capacity. concrete actions for forests and climate change Many projects have been implemented together adaptation. with FAO in Central Asian and African countries By this opportunity I urge all of you to seriously regarding forestation, land restoration and forest- consider establishing a Mediterranean Forest Fire related climate change adaptation activities. Union One of our projects which addresses forest Now I would like to share a short video regarding management in the Mediterranean Region, forestry operations in Turkey accepted as a good practice in Global Environment Facility (GEF) project portfolio in 2019. Thank you.

Distinguished Participants, We have to be aware of the importance of regional and global cooperation for environmental issues. Turkey attaches importance to the creation of global synergies by sharing experiences, best practices, and knowledge with other countries on relevant platforms. We believe that the platforms of UN conventions, UN organizations, and Forest Europe are efficient bodies for policy dialogues, technical discussions, Proceedings Conference and intergovernmental cooperation.

40 41 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 forest management essential for forest owners to invest insustainable intimately connected asincomefrom wood is remind thathealthy forests andsellingwood are Also, theEuropean would sawmill like industry to European forests andrelated ecosystem services. increase theresilience andlong-term of stability toforestsupport sustainable managementandto believes thatisurgentIndustry to increase the products sector. For thisreason, theSawmill economies are heavily dependentontheforest inwhichthose incases economies, particularly mayindustries have onlocal impacts significant in therelative competitiveness timber oflocal species. Changes in woodsecondary supply or of wood; ofwood; accessibility andutilization of challenges interms ofwood; ofquality quantity strategy, the European sawmills will face without aneffective, coherent andcoordinated fora priority theEuropean SawmillIndustries; How to adaptforests to climate changerepresents fires (34%) compared to outbreaks insect (26%). losses whenexposed to windthrows (40%) and affected withhigher by disturbances, relative tonnes of forest biomass could be seriously in Europeandisturbances forests) 33.4 billion (Emergent vulnerability to climate-driven weather events. According to arecent study severity offorest dueto disturbances extreme Climate changeisincreasing thenumberand will have onoursector. anundeniableimpact any changesoccurred intheEuropean forests geographical European forests. For this reason, while theremaining lessthan5% isimported from used by theEUsawmills comesfrom EUforests, forests inEurope. Overall, over 95% ofthewood legal wood originated from managed sustainable The European only process Sawmill Industries Secretary General Ms. Silvia Melegari EOS -European Confederation ofthe Sawmil Industry strategies thathelpforest owners, publicland have to designandimplement theopportunity In doingso, Members States andpolicymakers following asnecessary: actions In particular, thesawmill considerthe industries provide green sustainable products. on forest andcontinueto goodsandservices adapt to theadverse effects ofclimate change managers andtheforest to products industry • • • • patterns, regulatory managementinputs, forest landarea, growth rate, disturbance ofclimate changeon analysing theimpacts of climate changeontimbersupply, i.e.: to estimate the net impact is necessary both current andfuture timbersupply. It Climate for changehasimplications products and thematerial effect. substitution recognise capture the carbon ofwood mechanism shouldbeput in placeto fully materials.products A as construction including innovative engineered-wood production oflong-lived woody products, residualsindustrial andencourage the Develop markets for theuseofforests and interestedamongst stakeholders groups; and indoingso, favouring thecollaboration of new sciencebutalsoevolving markets Assess afforestation inlight opportunities by theIndustry); which species are(meaning used the most to take into consideration needs industries “winners.” At thesametime,itisnecessary species consideredparticularly climate reforestation andafforestationstrategies, of conservation-grade tree seedlingsfor access to andproduction ofadiverse suite Increase to capacity ensure nursery adequate global markets resulting from climate change. will potentially beaffected by changesin taken into accounthow thetimberindustries forestsustainable itshouldbe management, of thesawmill isakey industries factor inthe species composition. the presence Because constraints, regeneration success,and CEPF - Confederation of European Forest Owners COPA - COGECA EUSTAFOR - European State Forest Association Joint statement

On behalf of European farmers and agri- carbon sinks is not an appropriate measure to cooperatives, private forest owners and state combat climate change but rather a high-risk forest organisations, we would like to thank you strategy. for giving us the opportunity to present our views The entire forest cycle and the numerous today. ecological and socio-economic services that We wholeheartedly support the choice made forests provide must be considered. This is to discuss these two topics at this Ministerial essential to increase the resilience of our forests Conference, as they are the most relevant and their potential to absorb and store CO2, for our sector. In addition, we welcome the to guarantee clean water and air, to deliver recommendations made by the Forest Europe renewable climate-friendly solutions for a bio- Expert Group on adaptation to climate change. based economy and to contribute to viable rural areas. Today, besides the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change is the greatest challenge that humankind, While we are strongly committed to continuing forest owners and managers included, face. to actively and sustainably manage our forests Forests are seriously affected by storms, and to ensure their multifunctional role, this is not droughts and insect infestations. In addition, enough to maintain the viability of the sector. It is climate conditions and changes in land use have important that all pan-European, EU and national increasingly made the forests in many parts forest-related policies, including the future EU of Europe more vulnerable to fire. As climate Forest Strategy as the main framework for our change is expected to increase the likelihood of sector at EU level, promote effective technical, fires, the risk of forest fires is predicted to increase scientific and policy cooperation, as well as if no major actions are undertaken. coherent policy tools and adequate funding for adaptation, to ensure healthy and resilient At the same time, the European Green Deal, European forests. the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the climate mitigation goals of the Paris Moreover, to effectively tackle climate change Agreement, as well as other international challenges in our forests and to better adapt, commitments and initiatives, recognise the we think it is essential to continue R&I efforts crucial role of forests and the forest-based sector to strengthen the exchange of best practices in reaching their objectives. among regions and countries and to disseminate this knowledge to the practitioners. However, in today’s policy-making we witness major efforts to promote and consider growing We hope that our views will be granted your full forests exclusively as carbon sinks and storage. consideration in future work. We will continue Nonetheless, if they are actively and professionally to support and be involved in Forest Europe’s managed, forests can act as everlasting sinks, activities and in the actions on a coordinated pan- playing their role in substituting fossil-based European forest risk knowledge mechanism. materials and energy and in the carbon storage in harvested wood products. Proceedings Conference Therefore, only promoting the use of forests as

42 Ministerial Roundtable 2:

Sustainable forest management – our joint answer to the vision of sustainable development Forests are among the world’s most productive land-based ecosystems and are essential to life on earth. They provide multiple environmental, economic and social benefits to the society. They have a huge potential to address current global challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, land degradation, social inequalities and poverty. The unprecedented ecological and socio-economic crises our society faces, has been compounded by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Forests can substantially contribute to solving the current planetary crisis. To achieve that, we need forests that are healthy, resilient, productive, and multifunctional. Not only today, but also tomorrow. Sustainable forest management, as a holistic, dynamic and evolving concept, is intended to maintain and enhance the environmental, economic and social functions of forests for benefits of present and future generations. It is a principal tool for balancing the provision of multiple functions of forests to contribute to the three dimensions of sustainable development. In Europe, the relationship between people and forests has been evolving for centuries. At present, in the situation of rapidly growing societal demands on forests, globalized markets and changing climate (with all its negative impacts), forests are under a bigger pressure than ever and sustainable forest management becomes a more and more challenging task. Under these circumstances, we can see even more evidently the limits in the capacity of forests to respond to and meet all those demands and requirements from society. Balancing various objectives and interests, while considering possible trade-offs, will therefore remain one of the biggest challenges foresters in Europe and the world face. In this context, it is important to note that the Bratislava Ministerial Declaration, endorsed at the Conference, introduces a set of ten 2030 European Targets for forests, as well as the updated vision for European forests. Moreover, raising awareness of and communication on the important role and multiple benefits of sustainably managed forests for European society at large and for achieving the internationally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a vital task as well.

Following statements are originals provided by signatories and observers and have not undergone the language editing. Conference Proceedings Conference

44 45 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 contribution to allSDGs. almost For example: The entire forest basedsector makes animportant in thefuture. I willcontinueto promote platform thissuccessful creates positive multipliers for theforest. open exchange withallthose involved andinturn This dialogueoffers platform theideal for an stakeholder organizations. in Austria2003, whichinvolves 85different That iswhy we anationalForest started Dialogue management ofourforest. developand atthesametimefurther thecareful We to unite try thesedifferent interests in Austria variety ofways. We all know that forests be used in a wide can DevelopmentSustainable Goals. of value butalsoto theachievement ofthe This notonlycontributes to thedirect creation management andinnovative processing. to safeguard ourforests through continuous wood value chainmake contribution asignificant Our forest owners andallpartners alongtheentire should beacentral concern ofallus. forestsustainable managementinparticular, Forest policyasawhole,well as active, are thetop inAustria. still priority offorests andmultifunctionality The sustainability founded. Conference 30 years after Forest Europe was Iamveryhappy toattheMinisterial meetvirtually ladiesandgentlemen, Dear ministers,Distinguished Regions and Tourism Federal Minister ofAgriculture, Ms. Köstinger Elisabeth Austria • climatic events. Forests reduce to susceptibility extreme an economiclivelihood for many. The forest arecreational isnotjust area, itisalso emphasizeI cannot enough: forests andthediverse areas oflife. We seetheinseparable between connection Special measures to compensate for barkbeetle a key element. The promotion of biodiversity intheforest isalso resilient forests.climate-smart, events ortheresearch and development of reforestation andmaintenance after damaging The fund focuses on measures such as investmentsustainable inthefuture! Every euro thatwe invest inourforests isa package for thefuture ofourforests! The Forest Fund isarescue package ANDa Forest Fund. making a total million € available of 350 in our investment package for ourforests. We are That iswhy Ihave launchedAustria’s largest The forest needsourhelp, today more thanever! Austria. devastating damagesinrecent years, alsoin andstormsClimate have change,pests caused of bindingCO2. But theforest alsohas theuniquecharacteristic area isprivately owned. In Austria,for example, around 80%oftheforest • • also creates for opportunities new jobs. alternative to afossil-based economy. This and thewholeforest basedsectoroffer an forestIn addition,sustainable management infiltration anddrinkingwater quality. Forests have apositive effect on rainwater damage or forest fire prevention, for example, have also been integrated. We are increasingly relying on wood as a raw material. To this end, we support innovative applications of nature-based solutions with the Austrian Wood Initiative. You can see that a lot of what we have planned or already implemented in Austria perfectly coincides with the goals of Forest Europe. I am therefore particularly pleased to be able to sign the Declaration and Resolution today. And I am convinced that the Forest Europe Process is still a highly important mechanism for pan-European exchange even 30 years after it was founded. Before I come to the end, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Slovakia and to you, Minister Jan Mičovsky, for all your efforts as chairman and for organizing this conference. And I wish you, dear Minister Julia Klöckner, and the entire German team every success for the next few years. You can count on the support of Austria.

Thank you very much and all the best! Conference Proceedings Conference

46 47 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Over eight years, the last the overall size of the European Union. effective development of the forest sector in the 2020 for forest sustainable management and the objectives oftheEUForest Strategy 2013- represents thenationalcontributionto achieving Development oftheForest Sector2013-2020 The implementationoftheNationalStrategy for the ecosystems. maximum extent the characteristic features of specially developed regimes, preserving to the 2000 andare managedinaccordance with are network includedintheecological Natura the country. Over 55% oftheBulgarianforests not allow thereduction oftheforest territory in is guaranteed by the Forest whichdoes Act, Bulgarian society. management Theirsustainable an integral andculture ofthehistory part ofthe Forests are thegreatest natural wealth ofBulgaria, Strategic Planfor Forests”, adopted in2017. goals for development sustainable underthe“UN 2020, aswell asto the achievement oftheglobal implementation of the EU Forest Strategy 2013- toimportance the effective efforts for The Republic ofBulgariaattachesgreat your efforts to organize it. would like to express myappreciation highest for Eight FOREST EUROPE MinisterialConference. I It isagreat pleasure for meto participatein the ladiesandgentlemen, Dear colleagues, Dear MrChairman,Dear Forestry Minister ofAgriculture, Food and Ms. Desislava Taneva Bulgaria and special functions haveand special functions increased significantly forest territories, theforest areas withprotective compared to 2013.According to the inventory of forest areas in Bulgariahasincreased % by 4.5 territories take 76 % ofthetotal forest area thatis state forestterritory as the certified in the country forestcertified territories is57% ofthetotal forest forests have beenalsoimproved. Thearea ofthe The vitality, productivity ofthe andsustainability have beenrestored, maintainedandimproved. natural intheprotected habitats forest areas the implementationofspecificprojects, priority hasbeenimproved.of thecountry Through networkecological intheagricultural regions protected areas hasbeenoptimized. Thus,the compared to 2013.Thenetwork of national right attitudeofpeopletowards theenvironment. interconnectionsecological innature andthe the understanding oftheforestry profession, the haveadolescents been developed, related to few years training programs for children and between foresters andsociety, inthelast In order to achieve better communication population. local the needs oftheforestmeets andthe industry annually inforests, whichfullyandlong-term the total average annual growth of timber is used taken into accountthatcurrently about55% of of theEuropean Green Thefactshouldbe Deal. development andfor achieving theobjectives of paramount bothfor importance rural competitiveness oftheforestry sector is Increasing theeconomicefficiencyand produced. control over theoriginoftimberandproducts for they provide theservices andimproves the the increase of theresponsibility ofcontractors tracing have beenimplemented, whichfacilitates Systems for of production certification and timber owned by thestate. Dear ladies and gentlemen, In conclusion, I would like to assure you that the Republic of Bulgaria will continue to actively participate in the activities and contribute to the development of the Forest Europe process, as well as in the commitments related to the preparation of the new EU Forest Strategy, aimed at achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and the “UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2030”. In this regard, we support the understanding that the EU Forest Strategy needs to be coordinated with the “Farm to Fork” Strategy, the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and other sectoral strategies in order to maintain its important role, multifunctionality and the contribution of forest areas to the protection of biological diversity, the development of the bioeconomy and the improvement of the living conditions of people in the mountainous and semi-mountainous areas. Sustainable development has no alternative, but requires solidarity from all countries, because forests have no borders.

Thank you for your attention! Conference Proceedings Conference

48 49 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 solutions isoften overlooked. Ourmessages management inproviding nature based The role offorests forest andsustainable change andnatural disturbances. time, whilekeeping ourforests resilient to climate expectations andneedsatthesame economical and nature targets conservation and socio- challenges: how to fulfiltheclimate, energy will address forest thesustainable management proposal by theendof2022. Thenew program authorities. We have aroadmap to issue the NFP researchers to and NGOs, individuals and public involving allforest related stakeholders from the years until2030. The process in2018, started a new NationalForest Program, whichtackles to cross-sectoral challenges,Estoniaispreparing To adaptto emerging needsandto beresponsive moving closer to the circular bioeconomy. of wood asanatural renewable resource and Equallydiseases. are important the rational use protect theforest and various pests against the different protective of functions forests, and well-being in urban societies. We preserve must the livingenvironment andensuringhuman energy, climate and biodiversity goals, improving offorestsimportance andtheirrole inachieving DevelopmentSustainable Goalsstress the in Europe. forestof sustainable management of the forests progresssignificant intheefforts for development I amconvinced thisConference to willlead Thank you for thismeetinginBratislava. hosting Chairman, excellencies, ladiesandgentlemen, Minister ofthe Environment Mr. Tõnis Mölder Estonia deforestation andcontributes to climate change forest management is aviable alternative to should besimpleandclear: thatsustainable need to be advised on close-to-nature and climate quality. Therefore foresters andforest owners of forests orthrough apossible declineinwood forests, production condition and,theecological through long-term changes in the composition of weather events outbreaks, andpest butalso forests andforestry sector. For example: extreme well-being. Climate impacts changesignificantly increased contributing to and human health theuseofforestspandemic, for recreation has as livelihoods. For example, duringtheCOVID-19 adaptation andmitigation,biodiversity aswell Thank You for Your attention! strengthening andresilience thehealth offorests. forest reproductive material, biodiversity and forest pathology, silviculture, useofimproved To sumup, more attention needs to bepaidto change mitigatingforestry practices. Georgia Mr. Levan Davitashvili Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture

On behalf of the Georgian Government let me The involvement of stakeholders in the process is express my gratitude towards Slovak Republic utterly important during such transitional period, and Liaison Unit of Bratislava for their excellent that is why Georgia has established thematic work while leading this Pan-European political working groups in forestry field. These groups process. It is a pleasure and great honor for me to bring together the Government and other address the Ministerial Conference. I would like to stakeholders to discuss the existing policy issues reiterate my country’s firm commitment towards and the ways how to resolve them. global efforts on combating climate change and In addition, according to the new regulations, making forests sustainable, effectively managed Georgia has the obligation to adopt National and well-preserved common good for our Forest Program, thus we plan to elaborate and present and future generations. approve our first National Forest Program in Georgia is situated at the strategically important upcoming years. crossroads where Europe meets Asia. The Since 2016, the Forest Information and Monitoring country is characterized by rich natural forests System (FIMS) has been developing to pool and and biodiversity, but also by extremely high systematize the information on the forests of demand on firewood, timber and non-timber Georgia. The goal of forest monitoring is to reflect forest products. Currently, the Forestry Sector in the quantitative and qualitative state of Georgia’s Georgia is in the reform process to address those forest, improve forest management, as well as challenges and increase its role in sustainable policy planning, and inform the population of development. Georgia. Georgia had developed a statistical The Government of Georgia is committed to based methodology of forest monitoring on introduce a fully-fledged system of the SFM that permanent sample plots – the National Forest would incorporate and address environmental, Inventory (NFI) - with the support of the Federal social and economic dimensions of sustainable Republic of Germany during 2016-2018. The development, including mitigation of climate implementation of the first NFI started in 2019. change, improvement of human welfare, fostering The results of the NFI will be available by 2021. green growth and job creation. Georgia has developed national principles, criteria Establishment of a proper regulatory framework and indicators for SFM (C&I) with the support of has been the first priority of the country since GIZ and UNECE/ FAO. 2013, when the reform process started. In 2020, In the framework of the forest sector reform, we adopted a new Forest Law. Improving we developed new professional standards for legislation is the way towards finding synergies vocational education modules in the following between the sustainable use of natural resources specializations: forest worker, and forest guard. and economic development. Adopting the new Six vocational education institutions were regulations puts the Forestry Sector in transitional established, which introduced a new programme Proceedings Conference period that is very critical for us. in 2017. All those efforts have been made to adapt

50 51 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Thank you for your attention. continuous assistance. the UNECE/FAO and other organizations for their to memberstates,aswell thanktheEUandits as during COVID-19 therefore, pandemic, Iwould like forestsustainable especially management, asakeysupport for instrument Georgia to ensure Let merefer tooftheinternational theimportance values ofourforests. andenhancetheenvironmentalopportunities, biodiversity to conservation, create employment the commonground for theSFMand With alloftheseefforts, we aim to establish drives deforestation. fuels to reduce fuel wood consumptionthat for energy-efficient technologies andalternative regions aself-sustaining andestablish market project aimstotheSFMinthree support target work hard duringthenext seven years. The implementing theprojectto start in2021 and approved theproject. Therefore, we are delighted TheGreenwith theGIZ. Climate Fund has (GCF) Resilience to Climate Change”incollaboration from Forest Degradation andBuildEcosystem Reform inGeorgia to Reduce GHGEmissions “Enabling ImplementationofForest Sector Agriculture ofGeorgia hasprepared theproject ofEnvironmentalThe Ministry Protection and national level. of theworkforce to thecurrent demandsatthe forestry laborskillsandqualification education, Norway Ms. Olaug Vervik Bollestad Minister of Agriculture and Food

Excellencies, chairperson and conference energy production. organizers Policy action is needed for enhancing climate In Norway, forest management contributes effect from forests. In Norway this includes to a sustainable economic development. Our support for planting, afforestation and fertilizing forests provides a range of important ecosystem stands on selected areas. My government will services. also introduce regulations to avoid harvesting of The annual increment and the growing stock of young stands. our forests have increased threefold since our Norway has a strict protection target of 10 first national forest inventory was established in percent of the forest area to safeguard critically 1919. endangered species, habitats and forest Our forest policy aims at increased value creation ecosystems. and employment. We aim at reduced climate Still, most of the biodiversity is found on the other emissions. More effective and sustainable ways 90 percent. to use our renewable biomass resources. We expect a higher demand for forest- The forest- and wood industries is a potential based products. Our policy is to strengthen driver for a green shift of our economy. environmental considerations where forestry Wood for buildings and structures contributes activities increase. More knowledge about to welfare, culture and climate in Norway. We are environmental values and forestry practices will proud of our wooden architecture. Joint efforts play an important role. have led to an increase in advanced use of wood We will contribute to the follow-up of this in larger buildings, showcasing the possibilities. conference and support international processes It is possible to increase the harvesting and the for climate, nature and a sustainable development. value creation from our forests. A large increase in demand for wood will require more effective Thank you. and circular use of forest resources. Forest owners and managers have a special role in demonstrating sustainable forest management. Good communication should be two-way in order to establish understanding of its role. To broaden the understanding, it is important to promote knowledge, a skilled workforce, science policy dialogue as well as cross sectoral collaboration. This will further develop sustainable forest management. To reach climate targets we must maintain and increase the carbon stocks in forests. As well as supplying wood and increasing the carbon Conference Proceedings Conference stocks in wood products. Wood products can also displace fossil emissions from products and

52 53 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 increase theproductivity offorests stands. forests: and balancingallecosystems services Lithuania aimsto ensure2. therational useof 1. Theforest cover isincreasing inLithuania. achievements: about future challenges as well. Let’s with start 3 successes in the forests sector and to talk ecosystems in Lithuania and I would like to share We identifyforests valuable asoneofthemost forestof sustainable management. ownership andby ensuringtheimplementation long duration offorest growth, different forms of by forests to society, takinginto account the Lithuania isto increase provided multiplebenefits The strategic forestry development goal in which are reflected intheLaw onForests. forestprinciples of sustainable management, inLithuanianactivities forests are basedonthe roleimportant incitizens life. That’s why allmain Forests occupyofLithuania bigpart andplay an colleagues, Dear Vice -Minister ofEnvironment Mr. Danas Augutis Lithuania the OECD, Lithuania reformed state forest sector. 3. Three years ago, following recommendations of • • • • • • • mill. hectares; Currently theforest landarea ismore than2 20yearsIn last forest area hasgrown by 2.5%. merged into oneCompany. Suchreform 42 separate state forest enterprises were related to implementationof thegreen deal; bioeconomy aswell as upcoming challenges margin to balanceourfuture needs for for timber production andwe have large Thus, Lithuanian forests are usedsustainably 2030. We planto retain thisloggingintensity until available for wood supply. annual timbervolume increment inforests Currently we useabout70 %ofthenet percent innext four years; Furthermore, we plan to expand itby 1.5 Agreement onForests. We are in theprocess ofdevelopment of National public expectations andbioeconomy demands. search for needs, new balanceofconservation 1. As many other European countries we are in Future challenges: vision, goalsand targets for European forests. effective and ensureresults implementation of and coordinated effortscan produce of all of us developmentonly sustainable and the joint In theend,Iwould like to stress oncemore, that solutions. legal andscience-based from andawareness publiceducation raising to and theintegrated ofallmeasures, application Achieving thegoalsrequires approach aholistic andclimateconservation change. Secondchallengeisrelated2. to biodiversity • • • • • it willhelpto identifytheessenceof forestry related stakeholders; evolving broad and ofsociety participation It willincludeanumberofdiscussions attention to forestry activities; oftheenterpriseactivities and devoting more created preconditions for optimizingthe protected. %, aquarterfrom whichwould bestrictly coverage of protected areas to reach 20 Our commitment is to enlarge national in combattingclimate change. insavingcritical remaining biodiversity and managedforestand sustainably be can proper cases In most managementpractices forestry related issues; change, biodiversity protection andother document onforests covering climate basis for preparation oflongterm strategic National Agreement onForests willprovide forest functions; socialandenvironmentalbetween economic, forestsustainable balance management: Poland Mr. Edward Siarka Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment

Dear Mr. Chair, your excellencies, dear colleagues, role for the inhabitants of the agglomeration and Dear ladies and gentlemen, the surrounding localities. First of all I would like to congratulate the Liaison Our joint achievement as part of Forest Europe is Unit in Bratislava on its excellent leading of the establishment of the principles of sustainable the Forest Europe process and I would like to forest management. It is based on a balance wish to the Bonn Liaison Unit successes in the between the environmental, social and productive continuation of the mission for the next five years. functions of forests, with account taken of the The forests and sustainable forest management ecological approach contributing to biodiversity in Poland have long played a key role in conservation. Due to such management, every the implementation of many sustainable year Poland increases its timber resources for development goals. the future generations by about 35 million m3, which represents a mean annual increase in Forests are a source of many ecosystem forest area by about 30,000 ha. Multifunctional services. Among others, they are a source of forest management should be promoted as a timber – a renewable raw material. The economic concept arising from the Forest Europe process. development depends on it production It provides the basis for forestry in Europe and without detriment to the environment. Effective should also be considered in the future European forestation and forest restoration have increased Forest Strategy. For many years Polish forestry the forest cover rate in Poland from 21% of the has followed the principles of sustained and country’s territory in 1945 to almost 30% of its area sustainable development. today. Forest ecosystems in Poland constitute a valuable and most abundantly represented Local communities should play a major role component of all the nature protection forms and in better communicating to the public the they occupy almost 40% of the areas covered by importance of sustainable forest management legal protection. for combating the current threats, as these communities not only directly enjoy the benefits In Poland, forests play a significant role in achieving of forest resources but also observe the adverse the other goals. These include sustainable water impacts of climate change in forests, fires, the management and sustainable energy. It is also spread of pests and diseases and progressive necessary to mention the importance of forests droughts. Direct contact between the public for rural development as they create green jobs, and forest services should be promoted and as well as in the wood-based, pulp and paper the benefits arising from sustainable forest or furniture-making industries. Generally open management should be more widely presented. to the public, forests are also natural recreation Forests which are more accessible to the and leisure sites. The capital of Poland, Warsaw, public are favourable for the implementation of is located in the direct vicinity of two large forest

communication and information actions. Proceedings Conference complexes. In the situation of the present threats, including the pandemic, they play an important We should support and promote international

54 55 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Thank you for your attention! management. today the Declaration forest ofthesustainable high level for several years. I’m happy to singed of gameanimals,whichhasremained atavery fauna inPoland is,amongothers, theabundance The evidence to thespeciesrichnessofforest grouse andEuropean bisonwas implemented. projectan important to protect theosprey, black appropriate andspecies.Recently, stateofhabitats while atthesametimetakingcare ofthe rare andendangered plantandanimalspecies, animal populations.InPolish forests, we protect biodiversity andtherestoration ofthenational which provide for offorest theconservation This is reflected in forest management plans nature into conservation forest management. management in Poland istheintegration of One of the key forest principles of sustainable of forests andto protect theirdiverse functions. mitigate climate change,to increase theresilience forests to soasto climate changeisnecessary I would like to emphasisethattheadaptationof the Resolution, whichwe willofficiallysignsoon, forest Recalling theprovisions management. of robust basisfor thediscussiononsustainable widely present scientificarguments providing a whoshould to thescientificcommunity support the International Forest Day. Itisalsonecessary promoting forest sustainable e.g. management, initiatives, andprojects globalcampaigns Serbia Mr. Saša Stamatović Director of the Directorate of Forests

Your excellencies, ministers, distinguished forests worldwide and affirms sustainable forest representatives, delegates, observers and dear management as guiding principle. foresters, Acknowledging the importance of forests for the Ladies and gentlemen, Serbian society, the Republic of Serbia actively Global processes of biodiversity loss, climate participates in the global and regional processes change, and degradation of environment for aiming primarily at preserving forests, as well all living beings on the planet, rise recognition as at contributing to constant improvement of on importance of forests for human society’s sustainable management of the forests. development and survival. Considering “The state of one nation’s forests is a mirror picture technological development and progress, forest of economic, social and historical circumstances ecosystems capacity to adapt to changes and of the nation.” Forests of the Republic of Serbia, then help mitigate the adverse effects that are which cover about a one third of its territory, increasingly happening before our eyes is a have not been spared from adverse impacts. fundamental condition for the survival of many Reflecting on the state of Serbian forests and the plant and animal species. Furthermore, forests forestry sector itself, we have identified a potential regulate climate and assist in the conservation of for improvement. Therefore, we are working clean air, water, soil and a healthy environment. On intensively on reforming the forestry sector and the other hand, forests contribute to the creation strengthening national capacities to increase of jobs and make the basis for the survival of economic, environmental, and social contribution people particularly living in rural areas, moreover, to our society’s development. Bearing in mind the existentially important for the development of challenges of the modern age, these goals can “forest-based industry”, tourism and other forest only be efficiently achieved by joining forces and related activities. Based on scientific papers, more capacities. than 300 forest functions or ecosystem services In the previous period, the Republic of Serbia has are recognized nowadays. adopted several crucial documents on climate As the most complex terrestrial ecosystems, change that among the others emphasize forests are also considered to be the most fragile the importance of forests, while a number of ones, especially vulnerable to the direct and documents are currently being drafted with indirect human impacts. the forestry sector’s active participation in the Forests are national assets in the international process. I would like to single out the active legislation order, but numerous factors that affect participation in process of preparation the forests condition, such as climate change, are National Climate Change Strategy with Action supranational and require a joint response. Plan, which is in its final phase. This document will introduce specific measures for strengthening As a part of the European and World community,

the political, legislative and institutional Proceedings Conference Serbia shares concerns about the process of framework, enhancing research and projects, deforestation, fragmentation and degradation of

56 57 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Thank you for your attention! be fullydedicated to commitments. fulfillingits for European forests 2030. Therefore, Serbia will Forests We Need”andshares thevisionandgoals Ministerial Declaration Future “The We Want: The European forests to climate change”,andthe of theMinisterial Resolution “Adapting Pan- The Republic thetext ofSerbia fullysupports the cooperation withinForest Europe process. Serbia would like to develop further andexpand management as the only option. The Republic of uncompromising implementationofsustainable and forestry for thehumankind,thusmaking used to emphasize of forests the importance We believe shouldbe thatevery opportunity institutions. other scientificandeducational knowledge acquired withinforestry-related and aforementioned ispreconditioned by enhancing it comesto climate change.Achievement of as aneffective riskmanagement system when system by introducing “Climate-Smart forestry” as well asimproving theforest management Slovenia Mr. Jože Podgoršek Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food

“Slovenia supports integration of environmental beetle in years 2015-2019, enabling achieving and socio-economic forest functions into specific goals of replacing environmentally less sustainable forest management. friendly materials and fossil fuels with wood, and Slovenia, with its 60 % of forest land cover, at the same time enable favourable status of acknowledges crucial role of forests in reaching several forest species, also large carnivores and Sustainable Development Goals, Paris agreement herbivores. and Convention on Biological Diversity. At By promoting principles of sustainability, the same time are forests important for rural multifunctionality and close-to-nature way of development and transmission into green forest management, has Slovenia no objections bioeconomy. in joining presented declaration and resolution. For named reasons, Slovenia continues decades Slovenia also wishes for Forest Europe to long policy of including principles of nature continue its work within given important role in protection, sustainability and multifunctionality connecting forestry topics, knowledge sharing, into forest management planning, and enabling and publishing technical and expert publications. free access to forest social functions. During all Last, but not least, I wish to thank Slovakian team this time has forest land cover increased and for their excellent leadership and all the best to biodiversity generally improved. Germany in years to come. Slovenia will continue Undividable is sustainability connected with to support Forest Europe also in the future.”. responses to challenges and disturbances. Already measured climate change represent a threat to forest: in the fast 50 years, has average air temperature increased for nearly 2 degree Celsius and precipitation amount decreased for 12 %. In order to maintain our forests healthy and stabile, we must provide their constant adaptation to changes and increase their resistance. Our experiences teach us how sustainable management can improve situations. Slovenia has al ready renewed forests, degraded in the past century due to the acid rain, and achieved optimal average growing stock of 320 m3 /ha, as defined from environmental and socio-economic aspect. Sustainable forest management in Slovenia Conference Proceedings Conference is, despite sanitary cut in forests, damaged by ice sleet in 2014 and over population of bark

58 59 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 recognize theessentialrole of forests and offorests.multiple functions We also must management with the aim of maintaining the securemust andpromote forest sustainable As stated in the ministerial declaration, we are done.Quite theopposite. management inEurope. Thisisnotto say thatwe monitoring thedevelopment forest ofsustainable achievement. It is an excellent tool and guide for The State ofEurope’s Forest isanotherimportant Forest Europe. achievementmanagement isanimportant of promotion and work forest on sustainable ofwhatwethe veryheart do. Thecontinuous Europe. Onthecontrary, isat sustainability isofcourse nothingnewSustainability to Forest rightnow.society interest andawareness offorest-related issuesin this discussion. I think we all see and feel the big forest-related issuesare attheverycentre of interest development. Forests insustainable and Over theyears, we have seenanincreased global onouragenda. questions important within theForest Europe process aswe have regrettable thatwe donotthismore often depth, discussionsonforests inEurope. Itisonly possibility to meetandhave dedicated, in- The ministerial conference gives us an important is indeedmuchappreciated. have madeitpossible for usto meetvirtually. This However, despite thedifficultcircumstances, you unfortunate thatwe meetinBratislava. cannot for organizing theMinisterial Conference. Itis Let mefirst thankmy Slovakian colleague colleagues, Dear Minister ofRural Affairs Ms. Jennie Nilsson Sweden we seetoday. forests in mitigating several negative trends that an essentialapproach for enhancing therole of environment. forest Sustainable managementis forestsustainable managementinprotecting the in Europe. It has been so for over years. thirty process for dialogueandcooperation onforests Forest Europe isthevoluntary high-level political tracks atthesametime. work focussed. We avoid must too many parallel same time.Looking we ahead, shouldkeep our broad atthe we doeverything cannot concept, forestsustainable beseenasa managementcan base ourfuture work. thetarget Itsets clear. While gives usyet anothersolidfoundation onwhichto It management in thedeclaration isimportant. The strong forest emphasis on sustainable Thank you! Sweden’s continuedsupport. to working together withyou. You counton can German chairmanship. I very muchlookforward take to welcoming this opportunity the incoming the outgoingSlovak chairmanship. Let mealso me take to onceagainthank thisopportunity been achieved. Alotremains to beachieved. Let years.thirty It should continue to be so. A lot has cooperation onforests inEurope for more than high-level process political for dialogueand continue. Forest Europe hasbeenthevoluntary development andtherole ofourforests will The discussion onsustainable colleagues. Dear the modalitiesofourwork. of this is of coursepart to continuously reflect on well asanorganization, One isequallydynamic. make sure thatForest Europe asaprocess, as Wemanagement isadynamicconcept. must day’s forest conditions.Sustainable political ensure thatwe provide aplatform fitfor modern respondcan rapidly to emerging issues.We must To remain relevant, we make must sure thatwe and cooperation inForest Europe. before. This adds a new dynamic to the dialogue changed. Information istravelling faster thanever has landscape During thistime,thepolitical Ukraine Mr. Yurii Bolokhovets Head of State Forest Resources Agency

Excellencies, heads of delegations, ladies and In the context of enhancing the transparency of gentlemen forestry activities, I am proud to announce our Let me welcome you on behalf of the Ukrainian developments in creating a Integrated Forest delegation and express my gratitude to the Portal, which will accumulate all information about organizers of the conference, who at this difficult the forests of Ukraine and permits documents in time were able to perfectly organize and conduct the field of forestry in the near future. The main the conference for all of us. purpose of creating such a portal is the need to provide the public and control authorities Ukraine has always actively supported the with a mechanism for operational control over FORESTS OF EUROPE and we are going to the legality of forestry activities, so that no one continue this good tradition in the future. Today, else has doubts about the legality of harvesting the forestry of Ukraine is going through difficult operation in Ukraine. times - this is both the negative impact of climate change with the constant increase in the areas of I would also like to inform you that in order to die-back, and severe environmental restrictions strengthen the dialogue with the public, the State on forest management, which are overlaid Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine annually with the economic crisis in the country and the conducts an all-Ukrainian campaign “Let’s create consequences of COVID-19. The past year was forests together”. This year we also acted as a especially difficult for forestry in Ukraine - large- co-organizer of the global action “Greening the scale forest fires in the East part and Polesie region Planet”, organized by the charitable foundation of Ukraine, as well as flooding in the Carpathian “Greening Ukraine”. On April 10, where it was region, which, unfortunately, many associate not possible within the framework of quarantine with unfavorable weather conditions, but with restrictions, citizens of not only Ukraine but forestry activities. different countries participated in the campaign (in general 100 countries of the world) - planted Therefore, the issue of communication with trees in squares, parks, forests in order to join society is now just as important for us as an efforts in greening the planet. Even if the overall strengthening work on reforestation, including result of 1 million trees is not so big, we all perfectly on the territories of Zhytomyr and Lugansk understand that in every country during the regions that have been damaged by forest fires. period of reforestation more significant numbers Unfortunately, the area of ​​burnt forests in the of trees are planted, but it was really an event that Luhansk region (29.2 thousand hectares) and unites ordinary people of different nationalities the lack of appropriate investments will prolong and professions in their intention to restore forest the reforestation process for many years. We are landscapes. looking for possible international mechanisms to support forest restoration and would be grateful Ukraine supports the goals for European forests for any help from international organizations in 2030, which will receive official status today. Proceedings Conference this regard. In many ways they are ambitious and now it

60 61 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Thank you for attention achievements. cooperationfurther andare ready to share our proud ofandwe are openandready for Ukrainian forestry hasalotofthingswe are than theall-Ukrainian indicator ofpreservation. today ismore than16%, higher issignificantly of nature reserves in theforests ofUkraine, which underway. Itshouldbenoted thatthepercentage setting up nature reserves at such territories is 30 thousandhectares) andnow theprocess of of virgin forests has been completed (about underline thatinUkraine, work ontheidentification With regard to biodiversity I’d conservation, like to leaving today. practice to the new climatic conditions we are be developed for the adaptation oftheforestry future,the near scientific recommendations will Strategy onforestry. containsasection Also, in with allinterested authoritiesinUkraine andthis Change isunderprocedure ofcoordination Environmental Safety andAdaptation to Climate to climate change in forestry. Now the Strategy of timely andeffective mechanisms for adaptation fulfilled. Itisextremely to develop important depends onallofushow muchthey willbe UNECE - United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Ms. Olga Algayerova Executive Secretary

Excellencies, Restoration, it is more important than ever that Distinguished delegates, we combine our efforts to streamline activities and communication on protecting, restoring and Esteemed colleagues, maintaining our precious terrestrial ecosystems. I am honoured to add my voice to this important In this respect, the Joint Forestry and Timber exchange today on behalf of the United Nations Section works closely with colleagues at the Economic Commission for Europe. Many thanks United Nations Environment Programme and go to Mr. Ján Mičovský, Minister of Agriculture Food and Agriculture Organization of the United and Rural Development of Slovakia, for his kind Nations to ensure proper coordination and invitation. outreach of our activities that contribute to the As those of you present here today will know, Decade. the United Nations Economic Commission for I would particularly like to highlight our ongoing Europe has been a trusted ally to 56 countries support to countries in Eastern and South-East working to improve sustainable management of Europe and Central Asia and the Caucasus, to their forests across Europe, North America, and restore their degraded lands by making a pledge Asia. Together with the Food and Agriculture to the Bonn Challenge. Organization of the United Nations, with whom Thus far, in Central Asia and the Caucasus, 7 we share a joint Forestry and Timber Section countries pledged to restore over 3 million in Geneva, we support countries to develop hectares of degraded land, and we hope that evidence-based policies for sustainable forest the upcoming Ministerial Meeting for countries management, communicate the importance of Eastern and South-East Europe, scheduled of sustainable production and consumption of for October 2021, will result in an increased forest products, and ensure that ongoing efforts commitment to restore degraded lands and are fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda for increase forest cover in this subregion as well. I Sustainable Development and the SDGs. hope to see some of you there. I am also pleased The latest global and regional forest assessments that our initiative at increasing urban canopy show that, contrary to global trends, forest cover cover, the “Trees in Cities Challenge”, continues to in Europe has been growing over the last three grow: over 20 cities worldwide pledged to plant decades. This is without a doubt a testament 11 million new trees throughout 2020 and 2021, to some outstanding policy efforts by many of with the latest commitment coming from the city the governments present here today. I would of Moscow. like to express my appreciation for the excellent These efforts are just some examples of how we cooperation between UNECE, Forest Europe and can work together to contribute to the Decade, FAO who work together with countries to collect, and ensure we are on track to meet the objectives analyse and disseminate the data that make of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development such assessments possible. We look forward to

in this time that we have left. Proceedings Conference continuing this work. As we enter the UN Decade on Ecosystem Thank you for your attention.

62 63 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 FAO, FOREST EUROPE andUNECE work closely manner.sustainable we want unless we manage our forests in a DevelopmentSustainable Goals and the future thatweSo itisclear achieve cannot the rises exponentially. spilling overdiseases from animalsto people andinfrastructure,settlements theriskof wildlife to habitats expand agricultural production, As we increasingly encroach onforests and zoonotic. – ofwhichtheCOVID-19 pandemicisone–are recognized emerging infectious events disease receiving renewed attention. Over 70 percent of The linkbetween forests is andhumanhealth these pollinators live inforests. frombenefits animal pollination and many of Moreover, percent 35 of globalfood production worldwide. the livelihoodsand support of many more people They provide more than 86 million green jobs use duringthecurrent COVID-19 pandemic. the masks, gloves andhandsanitizers thatwe all everyday life -from thetraditional useofwood to Forests alsoprovide numerous products for forests, climate bemet. goalscannot ofterrestrialmajority biodiversity andwithout water thatwe They are drink. hometo thevast Forests provide theairthatwe breathe andthe Ladies andgentlemen, delegates,Distinguished Excellencies, Director ofForestry Division Ms. Mette Wilkie FAO -Food and Agriculture Organization global andregional goalandtargets. management andto monitor progress towards together to help promote forest sustainable with FOREST EUROPE recently published a set and FAO Forestry andTimber together Section afterbetter” COVID-19. To thisend,thejointUNECE developmentsustainable andin“buildingback The forest sectorneedsto play acentral role in access platform hosted by FAO. collected are now available through thisopen the reporting burden oncountries.Allthe data same onlineplatform, reduced whichsignificantly State ofEurope’s Forests 2020 report usedthe Forest Resources Assessment 2020 andfor the processesThe datacollection for theGlobal manner for thebenefitofpeople andtheplanet. concept ofmanagingourforests inasustainable Let’smanagement. live upto thispromising isaconceptthatderivesSustainability from forest toopportunities contribute to agreen recovery. ecosystems worldwide andoffers additional prevent, haltandreverse thedegradation of 2030, whichFAO withUNEP, co-leads aimsto onEcosystemThe UNDecade Restoration 2021- climate andbiodiversity targets. reach theGlobal Forest Goalsaswell asglobal toup action turn thetideondeforestation to help Collaborative Partnership onForests, isstepping FAO, together with the other 14 members of the beyond. But we needto domore. Both withinEurope and forestry”. of “Guidelines on thepromotion of green jobs in EFI - European Forest Institute Mr. Marc Palahi Director

Dear excellencies, dear ladies and gentlemen, investments and forest management need to In the next decade Europe needs to transition to a acknowledge such relationship by creating post-fossil economy, an economy that is climate- synergistic incentives and integrated approaches neutral, nature-positive and inclusive. However, that connect both mitigation and adaption this transition is not possible without a visionary efforts as well as bioeconomy and biodiversity and transformative approach to our forests. We goals. But to create those frameworks we also need a New Deal for European Forests. need institutionalized mechanisms to ensure an effective, balanced and transparent science- Such a Deal is urgently required because we policy-practice dialogue. In this context, Forest are facing an unprecedented “forest” situation. Europe as a high-level policy process will need to On the one hand, climate change and natural play even a stronger role in enabling an informed disturbances are bringing many of our forests to dialogue, including as well other sectors, media, a tipping point where they can no longer provide investors and society at large. Count on the crucial ecosystem services - for instance, some European Forest Institute for such an important forests becoming a source of carbon instead of task! a sink. On the other hand, forestry and the forest- based sector have unprecedented opportunities Finally, an informed dialogue also needs robust related to their potential to generate renewable, and harmonized data and information to build biobased solutions. These are crucial to a common understanding of the effects of decarbonize our economy and create jobs for a climate change, natural disturbances, forest socially fair green transition. management and global markets on European forests. Dear ladies and gentleman, We need not A New Deal for European Forests has to be only to understand the present situation but also rooted in sustainable forest management, which to anticipate the forests that we need, so that we needs to be adapted and adopted according to can build the future that we want. the latest scientific knowledge. Sustainable forest management is key to take advantage of the Thank you Slovakia for the good work with the emerging forest-based opportunities to finance Presidency and looking forward to working and implement the urgent adaptation-restoration with Germany and all the other Forest Europe measures required to ensure the health and countries. resilience of European forests. Because such forest-sector opportunities are the main tool we have to address the unprecedented risks related to climate change. At the same time, enhancing forest biodiversity from the genetic to the landscape level is the most important investment that the forest sector can make to ensure Proceedings Conference its economic prosperity. Policy frameworks,

64 65 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 appears to beasrelevant as theforest sink. storage which effect, but alsothesubstitution the EU, the carbon sink, and includes the carbon mitigation ofaround 20%ofallfossil emissionsin equivalents peryear. Thiscorresponds to a sector is estimated at -806 million tons of CO2 Today, the climate of the forest-based impact place. provided thatclimate adaptationstrategies are in and maintain or increase our forest resources, to both develop the forest-based industries This impliesthepossibility economic functions. that forests fulfil environmental, social and Management provides adequate tools to ensure European Forests shows Forest thatSustainable economy. The latest report on the State of transition to aclimate-neutral andcompetitive European forests play akey role inEurope’s conference.important for to make theopportunity astatement inthis Woodworking would Industries, like to thank you CEI-Bois, theEuropean Confederation ofthe Good afternoon. Policy Officer Ms. Margherita Miceli CEI-Bois -European Woodworking Industry 2. 1. industry to maximisetheclimate mitigation industry Management and a competitive forest-based We Forest needbothSustainable turn, income from wood isessential for to the European circular bio-economy. In raw materials to maximise ourcontribution We supplyofwood alsoneedasustainable products. wood-based products replace fossil-based management and renewable and recyclable when forests are growing fast through active potential ofthesector, whichisobtained Confederation and they can be easily re-usedand theybeeasily can orrecycled, energy source. Timber products are long-lasting for otherwood-based products andasrenewable processingprimary beusedasraw can material to zero waste; by-products andresidues from European timberprocessing generates low offer an example ofcircular bioeconomy inaction. in over 300,000 companiesacross Europe, and furniture employ industries) over 2million people Nowadays thewoodworking (including industries Thank you. sector inthecreation ofgreen jobsandgrowth. roleand continueto thisimportant support ofour Therefore, we askthatforest policiesrecognise thereby prolonging storage thecarbon effect. management. management. forest owners to invest forest in sustainable CEPI - Confederation of European Paper Industry

Mr. Jori Ringman Director General

Honorable Ministers, dear Liaison Unit, thank you in all forest-related legislation. Demonstration of for giving us the opportunity to participate in this this positive impact will grow more and more conference. Today this Ministerial Conference important. exists since over 30 years. We support Forest Europe to elaborate The past 30 years have seen significant progress concrete actions and measures to further also in the industry. Today, innovations have made embed biodiversity and climate aspects in SFM the pulp and paper industry a frontrunner in the holistically, allowing it to continue to be referred sustainable European bioeconomy. We count to in European legislation. 139 biorefineries across Europe. We have almost SFM is the basis for success in using nature- doubled our recycling rate, reduced specific CO2 based solutions in our economy and, in turn, the emissions by 44,8 % and are a solution provider for economy will continue to support SFM. Europe’s 2050 targets. The substitution effect of forest-based products has become as significant as forest sink. Looking forward, expectations will only grow. The bioeconomy is key in ensuring the economic viability of the European forestry model. What we value and share in Forest Europe are commitments: The signatories committed in 1993 to promote SFM, and development of criteria and indicators by this Ministerial Conference has enabled the authorities demonstrate continuous progress. This has been the basis for joint criteria in EU legislation e.g. to ensure sustainability of forest bioenergy. Another important commitment in the Helsinki resolution of 1993 is to better communicate and explain SFM so that it ensures coherence of forest impacting policies. The State of Europe’s Forests report is an excellent tool to do so. In this way those policies - be it on renewable energy, products, or finance - can make a constructive contribution to sustainable forest management while tackling the transition to 2050.

The positive impact of the bioeconomy needs to Proceedings Conference be measured against the same forestry criteria

66 67 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 environmental otherthanbiodiversity. benefits material to the society, recreational or services, provide, includingtheprovision ofrenewable raw thatforests asthemanyimportant otherservices aresequestration. Theseaspects equally biodiversity preservation aswell ascarbon Forest managementpractices encompass disturbances. more true today in a context of growing natural comes to managementchoices.Thisiseven entail somerisks. Flexibility isneededwhenit and straight forward, are notfree ofcharge and Forest management decisionsare noteasy development. answer to thecomplexity ofdynamicforest- and integrativeState SFM is the holistic of the art challenges andopportunities. ensure thatthey respond to current andfuture improving andpossibly revisiting thislater to practices. We considercrucialto continue the foundation ofEuropean forest management agreed by allofyou atPan-European level are definition, criteria andindicators thathave been ForestThe Sustainable Management(SFM) to economicandsocialrecovery. change, enhancingbiodiversity andcontributing to provide key solutionsfor mitigatingclimate rising over Forests decades. thelast are expected Societal expectationstowards forests have been present ourviews today. like to thankyou for to givingustheopportunity and farmers and agri-cooperatives, we would On behalfof, European private forest owners Joint statement COPA -COGECA CEPF -Confederation ofEuropean Forest Owners revenue for forest owners allowing to finance thatgeneratesis themainecosystem service toIt isalsoimportant stress thatwood supply in afew words whatbeingaforest owner means. where forest owners from allover Europe explain invite allofyou to watch videoclips theseshort entitled“Welcomea campaign to my forest”. We COPA-COGECA andELO have recently launched is crucial. CEPF, the society opportunitiesto of our forests, explaining SFM challenges and andconcernsquestions regarding the future In a context where there are more and more rarely valued economically andrewarded. providedThe otherbenefits to are society to date forest managementoperations andinvestments. Forest’s Europe activities. discussionsand willcontinueto further support We hopethatourviews willbeconsidered inthe forests andrespond to societalexpectations. innovate asthey work withnature to maintain and managers learn, and willcontinueto adapt, On thecontrary, thatforest itmeans owners andnotfacingstatic theexisting challenges. and evolving way. remaining Thisdoesnotmean has beenimplemented for inadynamic decades approach toforest sustainable managementthat the As aconclusion,we andsupport should trust EUSTAFOR - European State Forest Association Mr. Reinhardt Neft President

Distinguished Chairperson, ministers, excellencies, forests. ladies and gentlemen, 2. Healthy and resilient forests are an important As President of EUSTAFOR, representing part of the solution to climate mitigation and 36 European State Forest Management carbon Organizations, it is an honor to speak at the 8th The oversimplified view of seeing forests Forest Europe Ministerial Conference organized exclusively as carbon sinks, while ignoring jointly by the Ministers of the Slovak Republic and their role in carbon storage (in harvested wood the Federal Republic of Germany. products) and as a substitute for fossil-based This Ministerial Conference comes at an materials and energy, must be supplanted. opportune time to debate how sustainable and Using wood boosts the bioeconomy and helps multifunctional forest management can help to to defossilize Europe. cope with all of today’s emerging challenges. Over Due to the significant impact of climate change the last years, the crucial role of forests and the on the health and growth of forests, the pan- forest-based sector has been addressed in both European forest policy must also address EU and international sustainable development topics such as adaptive forest management. policy frameworks – the EU Green Deal, the UN’s 3. Sustainable forest management conserves Sustainable Development Goals and climate and improves biodiversity and biodiversity conventions, and other related European forests provide a home for processes. In parallel, we have observed a biodiversity and nature at a scale that cannot dynamic evolution in the public perception of – be offered by any other land use. It is well and societal attitudes towards – forests. known that sustainable forest management European state forests share the 2030 vision, is not only compatible with the conservation goals and targets for European forests embedded of biodiversity and nature but, in most cases, in the commitments of this ministerial conference, actively contributes to its maintenance and while emphasizing the need for forest policy to enhancement. offer optimal solutions to practitioners in the field. Distinguished Chairperson, Ministers, Ladies and EUSTAFOR has three messages for this Gentlemen, conference. The future of European forests – with their long life 1. Sustainable and multi-purpose forestry needs cycle – depends on the political and managerial a solid economic basis decisions that are made today. We fully share the Sustainable and multifunctional forestry is ministerial commitments of this conference. With considered to be the solution to balance the our knowledge and expertise, we will actively complex and, sometimes, conflicting sets contribute to a comprehensive understanding of of demands on forests. The current societal how Europe’s debate opposing the active management forests can help to accomplish the multiple of forests ignores the fact that a viable forest ambitions of sustainable development and a economy – including monetary aspects – is future-fit Europe. a precondition for the delivery of all other Proceedings Conference functions. In addition, financing will be needed to cope with the impact of climate change on Thank you for your attention.

68 69 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 project itself. thatgoesbeyondwith benefits theborders ofthe towards thecreation forests, ofmultifunctional and afforestation projectscan direct them Applying theprinciplesofFSC inforest restoration are granted FSC certificates. Only forest managers thatmeetthesestandards maintain biodiversity andecosystem functions. deforestation, avoid forest degradation, and requirements onforest managers to prevent FSC forest managementstandards placestrict goal 15“life Target onland”,andits The 15.2. tool to helpachieving many SDGs –inparticular development isa agendas.FSC certification oftheirsustainable public authoritiesaspart tool, theFSC scheme isincreasingly usedby Started asavoluntaryandmarket-driven tool asustainable toFSC: achieve SDGs approximately 220 Hectares. millionCertified and economicinterests. AsofApril2021, FSC has decision-making across environmental, social, model, guaranteeing balancedmulti-stakeholder of FSC isstructured around athree-chamber 1,000 members in89 countries.Thegovernance The entire organization encompassesmore than prosperous managementoftheworld’s forests. sound, sociallybeneficial,andeconomically organization thatpromotes theenvironmentally non-governmentalindependent, membership The Forest Stewardship is an Council (FSC) What isFSC? observers, dear participants, Honourable Chair, honourable dear ministries, EU Advocacy Manager Mr. Matteo Mascolo FSC -Forest Stewardship Council solution (NbS)to helpaddressing climate change, forestsFSC certified are alsoanature-based forests certified FSC as nature-based solutions targets. under publicandprivate initiatives to meetglobal mechanisms, complementingeffortscarried out develop forest stewardship androbust verification FSC bringtogether can different actors to environmental andeconomicconsiderations, As a multistakeholder platform balancing social, make NbSattractive. of working inalliancesto create incentives that various actors. FSC believes intheimportance To beeffective, NbS require collaboration among biodiversity loss, andsocialinjustice. Thank you for your attention. Procedure.Services models to deliver from benefits theEcosystem in Europe andworldwide, andtestinnovative practices encompassingbiodiversity protection forestenhance sustainable management FSC to iseager work withGovernments to and restoration offorest ecosystem services. ontheconservation and communicate theimpact governments aninnovative tool to demonstrate This new procedure thusoffers businessesand recreational now can beverified. services watershed and soilconservation; services; storage; diversity; ofbiological conservation sequestration oncarbon and The impacts onecosystem services. impacts to verify andderive value from theirpositive smallholders andcommunitieswiththetools This new procedure enablesforest landowners, procedure. FSC hasrecently ecosystem launchedits service With specificregard to climate andbiodiversity, The new ecosystem FSC procedure service IUFRO - International Union of Forest Research Organizations

Mr. Christoph Wildburger Coordinator, Global Forest Expert Panels

Dear Chair, scientists, who were involved in this undertaking Your excellencies, so far, to continue to contribute their expertise to these assessments. Distinguished delegates, The Bratislava Ministerial Declaration also commits Ladies and gentlemen, to continue and enhance the collaboration of IUFRO - the International Union of Forest Forest Europe with the United Nations Forum on Research Organizations - appreciates the Forests and other relevant international actors. opportunity to deliver this statement at this As a member of the Collaborative Partnership crucial point in time when the importance of on Forests, IUFRO forms an integral part of the international cooperation and political decision- International Arrangement on Forests. making based on sound science is more apparent Within the CPF, IUFRO leads and coordinates the than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has added Global Forest Expert Panels initiative – in brief: an extra dimension of urgency to efforts aimed GFEP - an internationally recognized instrument at tackling global challenges such as climate at the science-policy interface. GFEP compiles and change, biodiversity loss and the sustainable analyses scientific information on forest-related management of the world’s forests. issues of high global concern, and provides Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive, independent, peer-reviewed collaboration between regional and global reports to relevant international political forums institutions, drawing on scientific knowledge to support evidence-based decision-making, also needed to address the problems at multiple at the regional level. scales. Ladies and Gentlemen, IUFRO welcomes the Bratislava Ministerial IUFRO is committed to support Forest Europe Declaration and the Bratislava Ministerial and to work together with its scientific partners in Resolution agreed by Forest Europe’s signatories. Notably, IUFRO endorses the commitment to Europe to systematically provide existing and promote and use a proactive science-policy new scientific knowledge to policy makers, dialogue to further inform decision-making. With including through GFEP and other mechanisms. the comprehensive scientific expertise of its IUFRO also stands ready to join a pan-European hundreds of member organizations worldwide, science policy dialogue and contribute its including the vast majority of countries expertise on key issues of the policy debate, such represented at this conference, IUFRO is well as forest risks, climate change, sustainable forest positioned to provide relevant independent management and related criteria and indicators, scientific evidence to support the deliberations bio-economy, green jobs and forest education. and outcomes of the Forest Europe process on key issues, and to ensure coherence with the I thank you for your attention! United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. IUFRO also welcomes the Ministers’ commitment to regularly report on the State of Europe Forests, Proceedings Conference and will encourage the numerous IUFRO

70 71 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 growth andincreasing resource shortages challenges suchasclimate change, population be seeninthecontext ofcomplex societal are playing in the life of societies. Forests must through roles themultifunctional thatforests Future oftheEuropean forests shouldbeseen use ofrenewable resources from forests. as, alsotheirawareness ofthe oftheimportance including theprotection ofwater aswell quality environment, considered in their forest operations, This relates to theprotection ofnature and development. management andsustainable of theirresponsibilities for forest sustainable European foresters have afirm understanding Europe andworldwide. and thelivingconditionsoffuture generations in concerned aboutthefuture ofEuropean Forests Forest managers andForest owners are highly out ofbalance.TheEuropean Professional the world in a dramatic way more and more the worldwide Covid-19 pandemicisbringing The ongoingclimate changereinforced by the UEFispresented asfollowed: community, private). Theindividualstatement of working for different kindof forest owners (state, UEF represents 85.000 ca foresters ofallranks Spain, Sweden Switzerland andTurkey). The Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Moldavia, Poland, Finland,Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, from 21countries(Albania,Austria,Belgium, joining togethergroups 25 offorestry associations organization of professional foresters in Europe, created andlargest in1965andistheoldest The UnionofEuropean Foresters was (UEF) UEF Vice-President Mr. Tomasz Markiewicz UEF -Union ofEuropean Foresters among others, improved communication emitting.Suchrecognitioncarbon requires, and consumption,especially those thatare high by patternscaused unsustainable ofproduction climate gradations, change(pest drought, wind the forest to theeffects ofthe stand withstand and inactive protection measures to strengthen climate changeforesters invest inwater retention andsocial.To educational scientific, tacklethe wood production, wildlife protection, recreational, that include based oncombinationoffunctions Forest management is multipurpose and is ofallstakeholders.commitment andsupport inclusive strategy communication thatjoinsthe through acomprehensive, European-wide, offorestsabout benefits inagreen economy number of completely restricted forests, the in aclimate way. stable Inadditionto theexisting forestry develop andcan theforest ecosystems byand ecosystem close services to nature climate changeSFMalsoensures biodiversity green economy inthecontext ofanongoing ofForestryBeside theactive participation ina material, whichisnatural andrenewable. green economy raw needsthesustainable wood byecosystem timberproduction. services Every main reason for theloss ofbiodiversity and This includesfightingclimate change asthe base ofacoherent strategies. European forest ecosystems andshouldbethe key inaconsistent way actions inthevarious Management istherighttool to ensure these Forest and Sustainable Multifunctional benefits. practices for private owners may bring higher programs for promoting theabove mentioned non-forest areas CO2absorption) (highest and development withmaximized afforestation of climate change.Onlymultipurpose, sustainable should betreated asbuffering systems ofthe but itwillprobably accelerate theproblem. Forest won’t slow down thenegative climate changes, throws). Taking the forests protection under strict different functions of forests should be ensured In the future, basic ecosystem services should in a combined way in the same stands without be compensated to the landowners, at least with segregation of functions in different stand. In the partial flat rates. With the rapid and extreme past, forests were managed in a sustainable way. development of climate change in the last years, The biodiversity in forests, which must be kept this financing system of forestry will not work in now, was included in the forest management the future anymore. process and ecosystem services for the society The loss of stock in the forests by bark beetle were offered for free by the forest owners. and dryness, the natural disasters due to climate No value or price of these services have been change, the collapse of timber prices all over derived, even if there is a conscience that there Europe and the additional costs for road safety is a high value of fresh air, binded CO², recreation measures are not compensated in an adequate and tourism in forests and biodiversity. way by the society, which caused the damages by Forests are currently dying, forest ecosystems are the climate change. The polluter pays principle is changing rapidly, invasive species are spreading not applied and the economic situation of many and the economic base of Sustainable Forest forest owners deteriorates dramatically. Management and the delivering of Ecosystem The professional and experienced Forest Services is changing in a fundamental way. Managers, working daily in the European Forests, Society is demanding services without giving look forward to a strong rules, including: them a value in the market system, because there • the strengthening of Multifunctional is a problem in the different sectors how to do the Sustainable Forest Management to ensure monetization. A very wide range, of ecosystem all different requested forest services to make services has to be offered by the forest owners the Green deal successful; for free and only some very special projects can • a better coherence of all sectoral demands to be financed by the public. Forests and Forest Management; Education and communication of the goals of the • the bewaring of ecosystem services sustainable management, water protection and by multifunctional Sustainable Forest increased wood accumulation are prerequisites Management without further segregation of to raise the qualification of foresters, workers, different forest functions; contractors and stakeholders, and to affirm • a well-educated, well-equipped and safe their commitment to contribute to these goals. working Forest Workforce; We are pleased to acknowledge that many • establishing of the urgently needed new commitments of the resolutions aim at improving financing system in European Forests as communication and raising awareness. However, compensation for the cost free services it is imperative that this message reaches offered by the forest owners. all actors in forest management and forest operations. Finally appropriate means need to be

developed and implemented both at a political Proceedings Conference and a practical level.

72 73 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 strategies in order to decarbonize and society occupy acenter andprominent placeinthese forests forest andsustainable management thatEuropeanAnd itisonlyrightandnecessary towards more renewable raw materials. bioeconomy thatallows to oursociety move with aspecialfocus onincentivizingacircular climate development, changeandsustainable to regional andinternational on commitments implementing nationalstrategies thatrespond Governments needto continueto work on DevelopmentSustainable Goals. ifnotall,oftheUN are ofmost, anintrinsicpart the Paris Agreement onclimate change,and challenges. Forests have aprominent role in in findingsolutionsto someofthesecomplex plays andwillplaymanagement, acrucialrole The forest sector, through forest sustainable great challengesofourtime. generations to come,whichare undoubtedly the resources, andto ensure future asustainable for patterns asasociety, for amore efficientuseof change inourproduction andconsumption now, serves to reaffirm further the need for a Everythinghistoric turning point. thatishappening resulting economic crisis, have brought us to a This periodoftheCOVID crisisandthe health Conference. address thisFOREST EUROPE 8thMinisterial We are verygladto have to theopportunity Southern Europe. here today onbehalfoftheUnionForesters of I have thehonorandpleasure oftakingthefloor and gentlemen Chair,Distinguished ministers, excellencies, ladies Managing Director Mr. Leire Salaberria USSE -Union ofForesters ofSouthern Europe based products andenergy sources, anditcould, Wood isaperfectlyviablealternative to fossil-fuel andconsumptionpatterns.change ourhabits importance of sustainable forest ofsustainable importance management wants to context highlight the political USSE, Therefore, in the current and socio-economic challenges, butare to meet them. alsonecessary owners are of the solution to not only part these USSE would like to emphasize thatEurope’s forest today inEurope’s forests endure. surface andthesameamountofwood we have the next generations, thatthesameforest atleast ForestSustainable Managementwillensure in them. if properly promoted andsupported,replace offer great opportunities for the forest sector, in forests inthecontext ofacircular bioeconomy advantage ofthis. There saying isnogainjust that the foresters, should and are to striving take source nowadays ofopportunities andwe, In USSEwe believe thatourforests are ahuge of Europe. ultimately to thesocial and economicwell-being and able to outtheirmultiplefunctions, carry resilience oftheseforests andthey willbebetter this management will contribute to a greater relevant to institutions managetheirforests, fromtechnical andfinancialsupport the Therefore, ifforest owners have thenecessary ofClimateof theimpact Change. are more and more frequently exposed because toand diseases..., whichalleuropean territories climatic events resulting innatural disasters, pests of generational replacement, increased extreme of profitability, fragmentation ofproperties, alack to managetheirforests sustainably today: alack challenges facing theseforest owners instriving However, we not forget must themajor based low economy. carbon tool, avitalkey inthe contributionto thisbio- that forest owners adhere to asafundamental terms of development, sustainable growth and creation of jobs. We, foresters, need to be more pro-active that just saying. We need to act, to raise awareness among the youth of today and the public and to have a stronger louder voice and better tools to further convince society and the policy makers of the merits of our forests and their owners. We, as forest owners, are willing to continue managing our forests in order to contribute to a sustainable future for our society and thus, we request due recognition and support for our work. We look forward to continuing to work together on these relevant matters and will support and contribute to the efforts of FOREST EUROPE to consolidate current and future developments.

I thank you for your time and attention. Conference Proceedings Conference

74 Signature of the Ministerial documents Conference Proceedings Conference

76 77 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Croatia Hungary Belgium Andorra Germany European Union Czech Republic Bulgaria Austria Iceland France Greece Cyprus Estonia Belarus Georgia Holy See Ireland Italy Lithuania

Luxembourg Malta Montenegro

Norway Poland Portugal

Romania Slovakia Slovenia

Spain Sweden Switzerland Conference Proceedings Conference

Turkey Ukraine

78 Annexes Annex 1: Conference Programme

Wednesday, 14 April 2021

10:00-10:30 Opening of the Eighth FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference - Words of welcome: H. E. Zuzana Čaputová, the President of the Slovak Republic - Words of welcome: H. E. Ján Mičovský, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic and Chair of the Conference - Words of welcome: H. E. Julia Klöckner, the Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture of the Federal Re public of Germany and Co-Chair of the Conference - Key-note speech: Janez Potočnik, special advisor to the Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries

10:30-10:45 Presentation of the State of Europe’s Forests 2020

10:45-12:30 Ministerial Roundtable 1: Adapting forests to changing climate - Interactive panel discussion with a professional moderator and panelists Tomáš Hlásny, Professor of Forest Biology at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague Fanny-Pomme Langue, Secretary General, Confederation of European Forest Owners (CEPF) Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, Director Emeritus of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) Eckart Senitza, President of ProSilva Europe - Ministers’ statements

12:30-14:00 Conference break

14:00-16:00 Ministerial Roundtable 1: Adapting forests to changing climate (cont.) - Ministers’ and observers’ statements - Planting a memorial tree by Slovak minister

16:00-16:05 Closure of the first day Conference Proceedings Conference

80 81 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 15:30-16:00 Press Conference 15:10-15:30 Conference break 14:50-15:10 Handing over FOREST EUROPE ChairmanshipandClosing presentation14:30-14:50 Short andsignature of theministerial documents 13:30-14:30 Ministerial Roundtable Sustainable forest 2: management –ourjoint answer 12:00-13:30 Conference break Organization (ITTO) 9:35-12:00 Ministerial Roundtable Sustainableforest 2: management -ourjoint answer 9:30-9:35 Openingof thesecond day of theMinisterial Conference Thursday, 15April2021 - Statement ofFederal Minister ofFood andAgriculture ofGermany - Statement ofMinister ofAgriculture andRural Development oftheSlovak Republic - Ministers’ andobservers’ statements to thevision of sustainabledevelopment - Ministers’ andobservers’ statements - Interactive paneldiscussionwithaprofessional moderator andpanelists to thevision of sustainabledevelopment Brunno Pozzi, Regional Director for Europe, UNEnvironment Programme (UNEP) Cecil Konijnendijk vandenBosch, Urban Forestry Expert Gerhard Dieterle, Former Executive Director of theInternational Tropical Timber Swedish Forest Federation Industries Emma Berglund, Forest director incharge of EUandinternational affairs at the Annex 2: List of Participants

Members of delegations are provided in chronological order of their registration, except heads of delegations who are always listed first.

SIGNATORY COUNTRIES Marie-Hélène Lahaye CYPRUS Ministerial Advisor Costas Kadis Christine FARCY Minister ALBANIA International Forest Policies Charalambos Alexandrou Blendi Kosi Director Minister Carl De Schepper Ministry of Tourism and Environment Senior Expert Algemeen Beleid Savvas Andrea Head of Planning and European Affairs Klodiana Marika Section Director of Programs for Environment BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Development Dušan Nešković Antonis Sarris Ministry of Tourism and Environment Asistant Minister Planning and European Affairs Section

Ylli Hoxha Boris Markovic Head of Forest Sector Head of Department CZECH REPUBLIC Ministry of Tourism and Environment Patrik Mlynář Deputy Minister for Forestry section BULGARIA AUSTRIA Desislava Taneva Natalie Srbková Elisabeth Köstinger Minister Counsellor, Department of Forest Policy Federal Minister of Agriculture, Regions and Economy and Tourism Georgi Kostov Adviser Tomáš Krejzar Maria Patek Director, Department of Forest Policy Director General for Forestry and Spas Todorov and Economy Sustainability Head of Strategies and Planning in Forest Areas Jaroslav Kubišta Welsch Harald Deputy Director for Forest Management Member of Cabinet Denitsa Pandeva and Forest Ecology Chief expert, Science and International Gerfried Gruber Affairs Department, Forest Vít Šrámek Director for Forest Policy, Forest Management Directorate Director Economy and Forest Information Elena Rafailova Lisa Lehner Chief expert, Management of Forest ESTONIA International Forest Policy Officer Territories Department, Forest Tõnis Mölder Management Directorate Minister of the Environment BELARUS Marek Metslaid Vitaly Drozhzha CROATIA Adviser to the Minister Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Marija Vuckovic Belarus Minister Marku Lamp Deputy Secretary General Valentin Shatravko Srecko Juricic First Deputy Minister of Forestry of the Head of Department Rauno Reinberg Republic of Belarus Senior Officer Maja Mihaljinec Sergey Chernyavsky Adviser Head of the Forestry Department of the EUROPEAN COMMISION Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Renata Ojurovic Janusz Wojciechowski Belarus Director of the Directorate for Forestry, Commissioner for Agriculture Hunting and Wood Industry Magdalena Majerczyk BELGIUM Sime Mrsic Cabinet Expert, Cabinet of Mr Janusz Céline Tellier State Secretary Wojciechowski, Commissioner for Minister Agriculture Goran Videc Jean-Pierre Scohy Head of Sector Maciej Golubiewski General Inspector of the Nature and Head of Cabinet, Cabinet of Mr Janusz Proceedings Conference Forest Department of the Walloon Wojciechowski, Commissioner for Region Agriculture

82 83 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Philippe Duclaud Minister ofAgriculture and Food Julien Denormandie Desk Officer Katharina Ministerial Adviser Reima Sutinen Ministerial Adviser Maarit Loiskekoski Senior Ministerial Adviser Teemu Seppä Minister ofAgriculture andForestry Jari Leppä and Rural development DGAgricultureand incomesupport, economy, Directorate D-Sustainability climate change,forestry andbio- Bioeconomy, UnitD4-Environment, Team Leader onForestry and Alfonso Guttirrez Teira and Rural development DGAgricultureand incomesupport, economy, Directorate D-Sustainability climate change,forestry andbio- ofUnitD4-Environment, Head Deputy Ignacio Seoane Rural development DGAgricultureincome support, and Directorate and D-Sustainability change, forestry andbio-economy, ofUnitD4-Environment,Head climate Mauro Poinelli and Rural development DGAgricultureand incomesupport, Director, Directorate D-Sustainability Pierre Bascou Agriculture Wojciechowski, Commissionerfor Adviser, ofMrJanusz Cabinet Communication Policy Assistant, Kamil Ochmański for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski, Commissioner ofMr Cabinet Member ofCabinet, Jorge Pinto Antunes Timber DirectorDeputy ofForest, Forestry and Sylvain Réallon DirectorDeputy General ofForests FRANCE FINLAND Bäckman

Management oftheDirectorateHead for Forest Panagiotis Drougas Environment andWater Secretary-General for Natural Konstantinos Aravossis Energy Minister ofEnvironmentDeputy and Georgios Amyras Resources andRenewableSustainability Director General ofForests, Eva Müller International Forest Policy Policy Advisor for European and Natalie Hufnagl-Jovy Undersecretary (Ministerialrat) Franz-Josef Mayer Policy Advisor Steven Dörr International Forest Policy ofDivisionEuropeanHead and Matthias Schwoerer Minister for Food andAgriculture Julia Klöckner Development Department ofStrategicHead Planningand Natia Tskhovrebadze Minister Deputy Nino Tandilashvili Forestry Department Forest Policy Division,Biodiversity and ofProtectedChief Specialist Areas and Aleksandre Rukhadze Department ofBiodiversityHead andForestry AmirgulashviliCarl Minister Levan Davitashvili forest affairs Advisor onEuropean andinternational Iris Le Roncé Forestry andTimber Director Assistant Deputy ofForest, Isabelle Mellier GREECE GERMANY GEORGIA Deputy StateDeputy Secretary SzentpéteriSándor Minister Nagy István Secretary Ján Bittšanský oftheApostolicDeputy Nunciature Andriy Yevchuk Apostolic NuncioinSR GiacomoMons. Guido Ottonello Natural Environment andWater Advisor to theSecretary-General for Vassiliki Dalakoura Forest Policy DirectorateHead, ofPlanningand Rebecca Batmanoglou Development Principal Officer, Forestry Sector Fergus Moore Biodiversity Minister ofState for Land Use and Pippa Hackett Chief Financial Officer Gunnlaugur Gudjonsson DirectorDeputy Adalsteinn Sigurgeirsson Director Throstur Eysteinsson Environment andNatural Resources Director for General, Ministry Björn Barkarson Natural Resources Minister for theEnvironment and Guðmundur IngiGuðbrandsson Advisor András Szepesi ofDepartment Head Péter Király StateDeputy Secretary Dávid Bencsik HUNGARY HOLY SEE IRELAND ICELAND

Patrick Nulty LUXEMBOURG POLAND Assistant Principal Officer, Forestry Carole Dieschbourg Edward Siarka Sector Development Minister Secretary of State, Government Plenipotentiary for Forestry and Linda Morris Claude Origer Hunting Higher Executive Officer, Forestry Nature Director Sector Development Michał Graczyk Frank Wolter Head of Forestry and Hunting Stiofan Nutty Forest Director Department Adviser to the Minister Bożena Adamska MALTA Head of International Cooperation Unit, ITALY Aaron Farrugia Forestry and Hunting Department Stefano Patuanelli Minister for the Environment, Climate Minister Change and Planning Paulina Chałko Chief Specialist in International Luciano Pezzotti Joseph Caruana Cooperation Unit, Forestry and Hunting Diplomatic Advisor of Minister Permanent Secretary Department

Alessandra Stefani Margaret Cassar General Director of General Directorate Director General PORTUGAL of Mountain Economy and Forests João Pedro Matos Fernandes Herman Galea Minister for the Environment and Enrico Pompei Director General - Ambjent Malta Climate Action Head of office - General Directorate of Mountain Economy and Forests Alexia Georgakopoulos Conceição Ferreira Policy Advisor Senior Adviser Silvia Ferlazzo Civil Servant DIFOR2 Josianne Muscat Nuno Sequeira Director Member of the Board ICNF

LATVIA Patrícia Lopes Kaspars Gerhards MONTENEGRO Environment Attaché Minister of Agriculture Aleksandar Stijovic Minister Peter Pitrez Arvids Ozols Senior Official Director NETHERLANDS IIlze Silamikele REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA Rob Busink Deputy Head of Division Senior Policy Advisor Ion Perju Minister Normunds Struve Deputy director NORTH MACEDONIA Gorelco Dumitru Head of the Biodiversity Policies Arjanit Hoxha Department LITHUANIA Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Simonas Gentvilas Tapeș Valentina Minister of Environment State Secretary

Danas Augutis NORWAY Cojocaru Dumitru Vice-Minister of Environment Olaug Vervik Bollestad Head of State Forestry Agency Minister of Agriculture and Food „MOLDSILVA” Nerijus Kupstaitis Chief of the Forest Policy Group of the Pål Vidar Sollie Covali Victoria Ministry of Environment Director General Deputy Head of the Forest Fund, Protected Areas and Forest Donatas Vaikasas Frode Lyssandtræ Regeneration Directorate Advisor of the Forest Policy Group of Deputy Director General the Ministry of Environment Harald Aalde ROMANIA Senior Adviser Edvinas Emarta Barna Tánczos Chief Specialist of the Forest Policy Minister of Environment, Waters and

Anne Gjerlaugsen Delphin Proceedings Conference Group of the Ministry of Environment Forests Senior Adviser

84 85 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Associations ofNonState Forest President oftheUnionRegional Milan Ovseník Chief State Counsellor Eva Hušťáková State Counsellor Veronika Lehotská Foreign Coordination Organizations, ofPolitics Section and Cooperation andInternational State Advisor, ofBilateral Department Danka Pindiaková Foreign Coordination Organizations, ofPolitics Section and Cooperation andInternational Director, of Bilateral Department Nina Chebeňová Foreign Coordination Director General, ofPolitics Section and Matej Hudec Director General oftheMinister office Ľudmila Marušáková Chief State Counsellor GreguškaBoris and Wood Processing Director General, ofForestry Section Michal Tomčík Development oftheSlovak Republic Minister ofAgriculture andRural Ján Mičovský Senior Adviser Vladimir Nikolić Acting Director StamatovićSaša Counselor Florentina Petcu Counselor Sebastian Counselor Enescu Cristian-Mihai Secretary ofState Banciu Ionut Sorin Lesy š.p. SR, Karol Vinš Owners ofSlovakia SLOVAK REPUBLIC SERBIA Constantin and Innovation Forestry Affairs, ofEnterprise Ministry Policy Advisor onEUandInternational Anton Andersson Political Advisor to theMinister David Lindvall Enterprise andInnovation Minister for Rural Affairs, of Ministry Jennie Nilsson International ofUnit. ForestHead Policy Leopoldo Rojo Serrano Desertification DirectorDeputy ofForest Policy and Guillermo Policy andDesertification Director General ofBiodiversity, Forest Jorge Luis Marquinez García International Forest Policy Officer Lucia Tornos Castillo Transition andDemographic Challenge Government andMinister for Ecological Fourth Vice-President ofthe Teresa Ribera Rodriguez Undersecretary Simon Poljanšek Undersecretary Nina Baloh General Director for Forestry Robert Režonja Food oftheRepublic ofSlovenia Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Jože Podgoršek National Forest Centre Igor Viszlai National Forest Centre Michal Vančo National Forest Centre Lucia Zacharová Zvolen PEFC Slovakia, Technical University of PalušHubert of Zvolen Pro Silva Slovakia, Technical University Milan Saniga SWEDEN SPAIN SLOVENIA Fernández Centeno Forest policyadvisor Jean-Laurent Pfund International forest policyadvisor Keith Anderson management Forest ofSection Head and services Christoph Dürr International Affairs Division Global ofSection Affairs, Head Deputy Sibylle Vermont oftheForestHead Division Michael Reinhard Forest Agency International Coordinator, Swedish Björn Merkell Forest Agency Intarnational Coordinator, Swedish Gerben Janse Science andPublicRelation Division ofInternationalHead Cooperation, Liubov Poliakova Resources Agency ofUkraine First ofState Head Deputy Forest Vitalii Pun of Ukraine ofStateHead Forest Resources Agency Yurii Bolokhovets Environmental Engineer, MSc Asan Can Branch Manager SerdarSalih Yegül ofDepartment Head Hakan Orhan MSc Forest Engineer Uğur Karakoç and Foreign Relations General Director for European Union Aylin Çağlayan Özcan General Director ofForestry KaracabeyBekir Minister ofAgriculture andForestry Dr. Pakdemirli Bekir SWITZERLAND UKRAINE TURKEY

Oleksandr Shust António Paula Soares EUSTAFOR Head of Department of subsurface Board Member Reinhardt Neft resources management and Fanny-Pomme Langue President EUSTAFOR , CEO Bayerische environmental protection Secretary General Staatsforsten

Kateryna Filiuta Hélène Koch Aigar Kallas Seniour officer of Nature Reserve Fund Policy Advisor Vice President EUSTAFOR, CEO Department Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus (RMK)

Petro Testov CEPI Juha Niemelä Advisor to Minister Jori Ringman CEO Metsähallitus, ExCom Member of Director General EUSTAFOR

UNITED KINGDOM Henrik Sjölund Piotr Borkowski Alice Walker Member of Cepi board and CEO of Executive Director Senior Policy Advisor Holmen

Agaba Mulumba Stewart Begg FAO International Forestry Advisor Chairman of Cepi Forest Committee Mette Wilkie and Global Sourcing Director Director, Forestry Division Sustainable Fibre of Essity Peter Csoka OBSERVER COUNTRIES Ulrich Leberle Associate Secretary-General, World Raw Materials Director Forestry Congress Team, Forestry AUSTRALIA Division Kieran Macdonell COPA COGECA Norbert Winkler Counselor (Agriculture) Martin Hobarth Forestry Officer, FAO Regional Office for Chairman of the Working Party on Europe Jesse Mahoney Forestry Director - International Forestry Policy Ekrem Yazici Oana Neagu Forestry Officer, Deputy Chief of the Director Joint UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber REPUBLIC OF CHINA Section Yang Jing Division Director- Department of Forest EFI Anssi Pekkarinen Resource Management Marc Palahi Team Leader, Global Forest Resouces Director Assessment, Forestry Division Chen Lin Deputy Division Director, Bilateral Robert Mavsar Cooperation I, Department of Deputy Director FSC International Cooperation Matteo Mascolo Michele Bozzano EU Advocacy Manager Lei Jingpin EUFORGEN Coordinator Researcher, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry Helga Pülzl IUFRO Head Shen Tong Christoph Wildburger Program Officer, International GFEP Programme Coordinator Cooperation Office, Chinese Academy ELO of Forestry Stefanie Linser Ana Rocha Coordinator, IUFRO Working Party Senior Policy Adviser 9.01.05 “Research and development of indicators for sustainable forest OBSERVER ORGANISATIONS management” EOS

CEI-BOIS Silvia Melegari EOS - Secretary General PEFC INTERNATIONAL Margherita Miceli Thorsten Arndt Policy Officer Diego Benedetti Head of Communications EOS - Market expert

CEPF PRO SILVA Conference Proceedings Conference Hubert de Schorlemer Eckar Senitza President President

86 87 FOREST EUROPE 8th Ministerial Conference BRATISLAVA 2021 Bernhard Wolfslehner Jose Bolanos Vera Steinberg ofLUBoHead Thomas Haußmann Policy Advicer Edurne Galdeano Lacalle Managing Director Leire Isasi Salaberria Vice President Tomasz Markiewicz Timber Section Intern, JointUNEC/FAO Forestry and Oliver Wolf FAO Forestry andTimber Section Economic AffairsOfficer, JointUNECE- Roman Michalak Timber Section Chief, JointUNECE-FAO Forestry and Liliana Annovazzi-Jakab Division Director, Forests, Land andHousing Paola Deda Executive Secretary Olga Algayerova USSE FORESTERS UNION OF EUROPEAN UNECE LIAISON UNIT BONN

Notes: Conference Proceedings Conference

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