The UEF President -Tomasz Markiewicz underlined the relevance of the FOREST EUROPE Process during the 9th Ministerial Conference in Bonn

Friday, October 04 , 2024 425

With the signature of 35 countries and the full support of more than 20 observer organizations, FOREST EUROPE proudly announces that the Bonn Ministerial Decision and the Bonn Ministerial Declaration are now officially signed and submitted.

The 35 member states and the EU Commission agreed to establish a central advisory facility in order to pool expertise and research results on the protection of forests against damage arising from the climate crisis and to provide the best advice possible to affected States.

The signed ministerial documents represent the continuation of the policy process to strengthen Sustainable Forest Management across pan-Europe. The Bonn Ministerial Declaration emphasizes the central role of FOREST EUROPE in defining and promoting this form of management, the relevance of its principles in a changing social and environmental context, and the need to cooperate and adapt to emerging issues form part of this document.

The Bonn Ministerial Decision lays the foundation for establishing a coordinated pan-European Forest Risk Facility. The FoRISK Facility is conceived to be a network of experts and to function as a permanent contact point for partners and initiatives. It is intended to strengthen cross-border cooperation in dealing with forest risks such as storms, forest fire sand insects. It is also set to serve as a platform for the development of PAGE 2 OF 2 practical guidelines and political strategies as well as for advisory activities in the field of disaster risk management.

The UEF President -Tomasz Markiewicz presented the UEF Statement on the Relevance of the FOREST EUROPE Process

He underlined that the Union of European Foresters (UEF) fully recognizes the importance and ongoing relevance of the FOREST EUROPE process for the future of sustainable forest management across Europe. As the largest and oldest organization representing over 85,000 foresters from 21 countries, UEF sees this intergovernmental process as crucial for shaping policies that ensure the responsible use and conservation of forests.

UEF Presidency