260 likes | 518 Views
EU Forest Action Plan. Marius Lazdinis Unit F.6 Bioenergy, biomass, forestry and climate change DG Agriculture and rural development. Why an EU Forest Action Plan? Development of the Action Plan Content Foreseen implementation. Why an EU Forest Action Plan?
E N D
EU Forest Action Plan Marius Lazdinis Unit F.6 Bioenergy, biomass, forestry and climate change DG Agriculture and rural development
Why an EU Forest Action Plan? • Development of the Action Plan • Content • Foreseen implementation
Why an EU Forest Action Plan? Council Resolution (1998) on a forestry strategy for the European Union - adopted in response to the need to establish a coherent framework for forest policy in the EU Communication reporting on the implementation of the EU Forestry Strategy (2005) - detailed review of the activities implemented in the context of the EU Forestry Strategy (1999-2004)
The report: Highlighted that the context for forest policy in the EU had evolved significantly since 1998, both through decisions directly affecting the forest sector and through changes in the broader policy setting 1) Identified the need to enhance the competitiveness and economic viability of sustainable forestry in the EU
2) Drew attention to the increasing importance of good governance for the protection and sustainable management of forests, which requires additional skills and efforts from forest-owners and managers, and new ways of cooperation and consultation with stakeholders 3) Emphasised the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation, and coordination between forest policy and other policies that affect sustainable forest management
The report proposed: • To develop an EU Action Plan for Sustainable Forest Management • To review the existing Community means and practices to facilitate coordination, communication, and cooperation between different policy sectors which have an influence on forestry
Development of the Action Plan EU Forest Action Plan adopted by the Commission on 15 June, 2006 Presented by Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel (in charge of agriculture and rural development) to Agricultural and Fisheries Council on 19 June
Communication presented in association with four other Commissioners: • Vice-President Günter Verheugen (enterprise and industry) • Stavros Dimas (environment) • Andris Piebalgs (energy) • Janez Potočnik (science and research)
Content of the Action Plan Builds on the EU Forestry Strategy Follows last year's report on implementation of the EU Forestry Strategy and subsequent conclusions by the Council Complementary Communication concerning the competitiveness of the EU forest-based industries later this year
Sustainability and multifunctional role of forests are the overall principles. Other principles: • national forest programmes as a suitable framework for implementing international forest-related commitments • the increasing importance of global and cross-sectoral issues in forest policy, calling for improved coherence and coordination • the need to enhance the competitiveness of the EU forest sector and good governance of EU forests • respect for the principle of subsidiarity
Common vision of forestry and of the contribution which forests and forestry make to modern society Forests for society: Long-term multifunctional forestry fulfilling present and future societal needs and supporting forest-related livelihoods
The Action Plan focuses on four main objectives: • improve long-term competitiveness • improve and protect the environment • contribute to the quality of life • foster coordination and communication 18 key actions are proposed by the Commission to be implemented jointly with the Member States
Several types of activities: • Commission actions • Working groups under the SFC • Exchanges of experience, sharing information • Strengthening cooperation • Recommendations for Member State actions
Objective To improve the long-term competitiveness of the forest sector and to enhance the sustainable use of forest products and services 5 key actions
KA 1: Examine the effects of globalisation on the economic viability and competitiveness of EU forestry KA 2: Encourage research and technological development to enhance the competitiveness of the forest sector KA 3: Exchange and assess experiences on the valuation and marketing of non-wood forest goods and services KA 4: Promote the use of forest biomass for energy generation KA 5: Foster the cooperation between forest owners and enhance education and training in forestry
Objective To maintain and appropriately enhance biodiversity, carbon sequestration, integrity, health and resilience of forest ecosystems at multiple geographical scales 4 key actions
KA 6: Facilitate EU compliance with the obligations on climate change mitigation of the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol and encourage adaptation to the effects of climate change KA 7: Contribute towards achieving the revised Community biodiversity objectives for 2010 and beyond KA 8: Work towards a European Forest Monitoring System KA 9: Enhance the protection of EU forests
Objective To contribute to the quality of life by preserving and improving the social and cultural dimensions of forests 3 key actions
KA 10: Encourage environmental education and information KA 11: Maintain and enhance the protective functions of forests KA 12: Explore the potential of urban and peri-urban forests
Objective To improve coherence and cross-sectoral cooperation in order to balance economic, environmental and socio-cultural objectives at multiple organisational and institutional levels 6 key actions
KA 13: Strengthen the role of the SFC KA 14: Strengthen coordination between policy areas in forest-related matters KA 15: Apply the open method of coordination to national forest programmes KA 16: Strengthen the EU profile in international forest-related processes KA 17: Encourage the use of wood and other forest products from sustainably managed forests KA 18: Improve information exchange and communication
Foreseen implementationof the Action Plan • Proposed duration of the Action Plan is 5 years (2007–2011) • A mid-term evaluation of the Action Plan is proposed to take place in 2009 • A final evaluation is planned to be carried out in 2012, presenting a report to the Council and the European Parliament
Standing Forestry Committee Proposed to be the coordinating body between the Commission and the MSs for implementation of the FAP Advisory Group on Forestry and Cork Collaboration with stakeholders on implementation of the FAP at Community level
Implementation in detail will be discussed at the SFC meeting at the end of October • Yearly work programme for the SFC will also be discussed to plan activities for 2007