Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on an EU Forest Action Plan {SEC(2006) 748}
Date: 2006-06-15
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU Member State, European forestry policy, action programme, biodiversity, competitiveness, forest conservation, wood industry

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 15.6.2006 
COM(2006) 302 final 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION 
TO THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 

on an EU Forest Action Plan 

{SEC(2006) 748} 

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION 
TO THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 

on an EU Forest Action Plan 

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

This  Communication responds to the request of  the Council1 to the Commission to 
present an EU Forest Action Plan in 2006. It has been prepared in close cooperation 
with the Member States and in consultation with stakeholders. It takes into account 
the  report  by  the  European  Parliament  on  implementation  of  the  EU  Forestry 
Strategy  and  related  reports  by  the  European  Economic  and  Social  Committee  and 
the Committee of the Regions. The Commission Staff Working Document attached 
to the Communication provides a review of the preparatory process.  

2. 

OVERALL PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES 

Overall principles 

Building on the Council Resolution of 15 December 1998 on a forestry strategy for 
the European Union2, the Action Plan provides a framework for forest-related actions 
at Community and Member State level and serves as an instrument of coordination 
between Community actions and the forest policies of the Member States.  

The  overall  objective  of  the  EU  Forest  Action  Plan  is  to  support  and  enhance 
sustainable forest management and the multifunctional role of forests. It is based on 
the following principles: 

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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. 

Recognising the wide range of natural, social, economic and cultural conditions and 
differences  in  ownership  regimes  of  EU  forests,  the  Action  Plan  acknowledges  the 
need for specific approaches and actions for different types of forests. It emphasises 
the important role played by forest owners in the sustainable management of forests 
in the EU. 

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2 

Council  Conclusions  on  an  EU  Forest  Action  Plan,  2662nd  meeting  of  the  Agriculture  and  Fisheries 
Council, 30–31 May 2005. 
OJ C 56, 26.2.1999. 

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The Action Plan aims to contribute to achieving the objectives of the renewed Lisbon 
Strategy  for  growth  and  jobs  and  of  the  Gothenburg  Agenda  for  sustainable 
development.  It  will  be  followed  by  a  complementary  Communication  on  the 
competitiveness of the EU forest-based industries, currently under preparation.  

Objectives  

In the course of preparation of the EU Forest Action Plan, the Commission and the 
Member States have developed a 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. 

Multifunctional  forestry  delivers  economic,  environmental,  social  and  cultural 
benefits. It supplies renewable and environmentally friendly raw materials and plays 
an  important  role  in  the  economic  development,  employment  and  prosperity  of 
Europe,  in  particular  of  rural  areas.  Forests  make  a  positive  contribution  to  the 
quality of life, providing a pleasant living environment, opportunities for recreation 
and preventive healthcare, while maintaining and enhancing environmental amenities 
and ecological values. Forests are to maintain the spiritual and cultural heritage they 
contain. 

In accordance with the above vision, the Action Plan has four main objectives: 

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improving long-term competitiveness; 

improving and protecting the environment; 

contributing to the quality of life; 

fostering coordination and communication. 

The  five-year  Action  Plan  (2007–2011)  consists  of  a  set  of  key  actions  which  the 
Commission proposes to implement jointly with the Member States. It also points out 
additional actions which can be carried out by the Member States according to their 
specific  conditions  and  priorities,  with  support  from  existing  Community 
instruments, although implementation may also require national instruments.  

3. 

ACTIONS 

3.1. 

Improving long-term competitiveness 

Objective:  To  improve  the  long-term  competitiveness  of  the  forest  sector  and  to 
enhance the sustainable use of forest products and services. 

Competitiveness of the forest sector is a necessary basis for the multiple benefits that 
sustainable  forestry  provides  to  society.  The  forest  sector  has  great  potential  to 
further  develop  high-quality  and  value-added  products  and  services  for  the  diverse 
and growing demands of society based on a renewable raw material source. Research 

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and  technological  development,  diversification,  innovation  and  investment  in  job 
quality and human capital are needed to develop a strong and dynamic sector capable 
of meeting the challenges of global change. 

Key action 1: Examine the effects of globalisation on the economic viability and 
competitiveness of EU forestry  

The  Commission  will  carry  out  a  study  on  the  effects  of  globalisation  on  the 
competitiveness  of  EU  forestry  in  order  to  identify  the  main  factors  influencing 
developments in the EU forest sector and to underpin discussions on further action to 
be taken to enhance the competitiveness and economic viability of forestry.  

Key  action  2:  Encourage  research  and  technological  development  to  enhance 
the competitiveness of the forest sector 

Research and technological development are crucial for the sustainable development 
of the EU forest sector.  

The  Commission  will  continue  its  support  for  forestry  research  and  technological 
development in the 7th Research Framework Programme3.  

The  Commission  and  the  Member  States  will  continue  to  encourage  the 
development of the Forest-based Sector Technology Platform. The Commission will 
monitor  carefully  the  implementation  of  the  strategic  research  agenda  prepared  by 
the  platform.  The  Member  States  may  also  enjoy  the  opportunities  offered  by  the 
ERDF4 in the field of research to carry out specific projects. 

The  Commission  will  explore  the  possibility  of  establishing  a  Community  forest 
science forum  in  order to strengthen the science/policy interface. As a first step, in 
2007 the Commission will organise a workshop to discuss Community actions in this 
area. 

Key action 3: Exchange and assess experiences on the valuation and marketing 
of non-wood forest goods and services 

Forests  fulfil  numerous  functions  which  are  not  reflected  in  the  prices  of  marketed 
wood and non-wood goods. There is a need to quantify the total value of forests and 
their  functions,  and  to  develop  and  apply  instruments  to  compensate  for 
non-marketed goods and services. 

The Commission will propose to the Standing Forestry Committee (SFC) to form an 
ad hoc working group to take stock of experiences on mechanisms for valuation and 
compensation  of  non-marketed  goods  and  services.  The  Commission  will  act  as  a 
facilitator  for  such  an  exchange.  The  Member  States  will  actively  participate  in 
sharing experiences.  

The  Member  States  will  promote  studies  and  pilot  projects  on  valuation, 
compensation and innovative marketing of forest goods and services, which may be 

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COM(2005) 119 final. 
European Regional Development Fund. 

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supported  by  the  EARDF5,  the  LIFE+  instrument6,  the  7th  Research  Framework 
Programme  and  the  Intelligent  Energy-Europe  Programme  (IEE)  within  the 
Innovation Framework Programme (CIP)7. 

Key action 4: Promote the use of forest biomass for energy generation 

Using wood as an energy source can help to mitigate climate change by substituting 
fossil  fuel,  improving  energy  self-sufficiency,  enhancing  security  of  supply  and 
providing job opportunities in rural areas. 

The Standing Forestry Committee will support the implementation of the Biomass 
Action  Plan8,  in  particular  concerning  the  development  of  markets  for  pellets  and 
chips  and  information  to  forest  owners  about  the  opportunities  of  energy  feedstock 
production. 

The  Commission  will  facilitate  investigation  and  dissemination  of  experience  on 
mobilisation  of  low-value  timber,  small-sized  wood  and  wood  residues  for  energy 
production.  The  Member  States  will  assess  the  availability  of  wood  and  wood 
residues  and  the  feasibility  of  using  them  for  energy  production  at  national  and 
regional levels, in order to consider further actions in support of the use of wood for 
energy  generation.  The  7th  Research  Framework  Programme  and  the  IEE-CIP 
provide the necessary possibilities to facilitate such activities. 

The Commission will continue to support research and development of technologies 
for the production of heat, cooling, electricity and fuels9 from forest resources in the 
energy  theme  of  the  7th  Research  Framework  Programme's  cooperation  specific 
programme,  and  to  encourage  the  development  of  the  biofuel  technology  platform 
and  support  the  implementation  of  its  research  agenda  through  the  7th  Research 
Framework Programme. 

Key  action  5:  Foster  the  cooperation  between  forest  owners  and  enhance 
education and training in forestry 

Due  to  changing  ownership  structures  and  the  increasing  share  of  non-farmers 
owning forests, a growing number of owners lack skills and capacities for sustainable 
forest  management.  Fragmentation  of  private  forest  holdings  may  lead  to  further 
difficulties  and  higher  costs  in  forest  management,  reducing  mobilisation  of  wood 
and  undermining  the  provision  of  forest  services.  A  well-trained  and  adaptable 
workforce is also necessary.  

In  view  of  the  foregoing,  the  Member  States  will  support  vocational  training  and 
education of forest owners and forest workers. The Member States will also support 
the development of advisory services for forest owners and their associations. These 
services  will  contribute  to  new  market-oriented  approaches,  to  disseminating 
information  on  sustainable  management  practices,  and  to  forest-owners’  skills  in 
biodiversity enhancement and habitat restoration. The Commission and the Member 

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CR (EC) No 1290/2005 (OJ L 209, 11.8.2005). 
COM(2004) 621 final. 
COM(2005) 121 final. 
COM(2005) 628 final. 
COM(2006) 34 final. 

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States  will  exchange  experiences  and  best  practices  on  these  issues  and  on  how  to 
increase  the  market  supply  of  wood  for  industrial  use.  The  EARDF,  together  with 
Community instruments for education and training, provide opportunities to support 
these activities. 

In order to strengthen the competitiveness and economic viability of forestry, and in 
the framework of their priorities, the Member States may also: 

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– 

– 

encourage cooperation between forest owners, industry and third parties in the 
development of new products, processes, technologies and efficient markets; 

encourage investments to enhance the economic value of forests; 

support establishment and development of forest-owner associations. 

3.2. 

Improving and protecting the environment 

Objective:  To  maintain  and  appropriately  enhance  biodiversity,  carbon 
sequestration,  integrity,  health  and  resilience  of  forest  ecosystems  at  multiple 
geographical scales. 

Maintaining productive capacity, resilience and biological diversity are key factors in 
ensuring a  healthy  forest ecosystem.  This, in turn, is essential for a healthy society 
and economy.  

Forests  play  an  essential  role  in  the  realisation  of  the  Community's  Gothenburg 
objectives  on  sustainable  development  and  the  targets  set  in  the  6th  Community 
Environment Action Programme, including relevant Thematic Strategies. 

Key action 6: Facilitate  EU  compliance  with  the obligations on climate  change 
mitigation of the UNFCCC10 and its Kyoto Protocol and encourage adaptation 
to the effects of climate change  

Forests act as carbon sinks and can produce renewable and environmentally friendly 
raw materials and energy feedstock. However, about 25% of global greenhouse gas 
emissions can be attributed to land use changes, among which tropical deforestation 
is the most prominent11. 

The Commission will examine with the SFC how to respond in a more co-ordinated 
way  to  the  obligations  of  Articles  3.3  and  3.412  of  the  Kyoto  Protocol,  including, 
inter alia, reporting on land use changes and forest management.  

The  Commission  will  facilitate  exchanges  between  the  SFC  and  the  EU  sinks 
experts  group13, in order to increase the effectiveness of the discussions on climate 
change  mitigation.  Measures  to  reduce  global  deforestation  and  post-2012  climate 
commitments will be addressed.  

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UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. 
COM(2005) 35 final. 
Afforestation, reforestation, deforestation and forest management. 
This group covers the discussions on land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) at the meetings 
of the UNFCCC. 

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The  Commission  will  continue  to  support  research,  training  and  studies  on  the 
impact of and adaptation to climate change.  

The Member States are invited to work on assessing the impacts of climate change, 
to  raise  awareness  and  to  exchange  experience,  as  well  as  to  promote  activities  for 
mitigation and adaptation.  

Key action 7: Contribute towards achieving the revised Community biodiversity 
objectives for 2010 and beyond14 

As  much  of  the  EU  biodiversity  is  impoverished  and  still  declining,  accelerated 
action  at  Community  and  Member  State  level  is  required  to  restore  habitats  and 
natural ecosystems, if the objective to halt biodiversity loss is to be met. 

The Commission will propose to the Standing Forestry Committee to:  

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exchange experiences on implementation of Natura 2000 in forest areas; 

consider forest biodiversity monitoring as a pilot exercise in the framework of 
the current work on EU biodiversity indicators15; 

consider monitoring of the fragmentation of forests and of the effects of forest 
expansion on biodiversity; 

evaluate  existing  information  and  scientific  studies  on  the  necessary  area 
coverage of and modalities for protection of forests undisturbed by man; 
follow  the  implementation  of  CBD16  and  other  decisions  regarding  forest 
biodiversity.  

The  Commission  will  periodically  organise  joint  meetings  of  the  EU  Forest  and 
Nature  Directors  and  promote  active  participation  by  forest  administrations  in 
informal exchanges between Member States on implementation of nature protection 
legislation in the EU (“GreenEnforce Network”).  

Key action 8: Work towards a European Forest Monitoring System 

The Forest Focus17 monitoring scheme expires in 2006. Over the period 2007–2013, 
it  will  be  possible  to  support  EU-level  environmental  monitoring  under  the  new 
LIFE+ instrument. 

Harmonised  information  on  forest  is  needed  to  fulfil  the  Commission's  and  the 
Member States' commitments under international agreements and to implement EU 
Directives,  such  as  Natura  2000,  the  Water  Framework  Directive  and  the  Plant 
Health Directive.  

The  Commission,  together  with  the  Member  States  and  relevant  international 
organisations, will work towards establishing a European Forest Monitoring System 
that draws  on existing  forest databases and monitoring systems. A  coherent system 

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COM(2006) 216 final "Halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 and beyond". 
“SEBI  2010”  (“Streamlining  European  2010  Biodiversity  Indicators”  process  with  the  European 
Environment Agency and UN Environment Programme). 
UN Convention on Biological Diversity. 
Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 (OJ L 324, 11.12.2003). 

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based on existing and soon available18 data collection schemes and on the expertise 
of  the  Member  States,  the  Commission  (Joint  Research  Centre,  Eurostat19),  the 
EEA20,  and  international  organisations  (e.g.  UNECE21,  FAO22)  is  the  best  way  to 
meet the reporting needs for both scientific and policy purposes. A European Forest 
Data Centre will be established by the Joint Research Centre. Forest monitoring will 
not be limited to environmental indicators but will also include economic and social 
information  and  could  be  expanded  to  cover  the  indicators  endorsed  at  the  4th 
Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE)23.  

Key action 9: Enhance the protection of EU forests  

Forest fires, biotic agents and atmospheric pollution have a sizeable influence on the 
ecological condition and productive capacity of forests in the EU. Global trade and 
climate  change  have  increased  the  potential  vectors  for  harmful  organisms  and 
invasive species. As protection of forests against biotic and abiotic agents is one of 
the  main  priorities  of  forest  policy,  it  is  essential  to  have  up-to-date  information 
about the state of forests in the EU. 

The Commission will:  

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work towards the further development of the European Forest Fire Information 
System; 

carry out a study which will analyse the main factors influencing the evolution 
of forest condition in Europe (including forest fires), the efficiency of current 
Community  instruments  and  measures  for  forest  protection,  and  potential 
future options to improve the efficiency of the measures; 

encourage  Member  States  to  form  groupings  to  study  particular  regional 
problems with the condition of forests;  

support  research  on  protection  of  forests  and  phytosanitary  issues  under  the 
7th Research Framework Programme. 

In  addition,  with  support  from  the  EARDF  and  the  Life+  instrument,  the  Member 
States may: 

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develop  national  afforestation  guidelines  and  promote  afforestation  for 
environmental and protective objectives; 

promote agroforestry systems; 

promote Natura 2000-forest measures; 

promote  schemes  for  forest  owners  to  engage  in  voluntary  environmental 
commitments; 

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The  EU  is  pursuing  two  initiatives  to  provide  advanced,  timely  and  coherent  geospatial  information 
until  2008:  the  navigation  system  "Galileo"  and  the  Earth  observation  system  "GMES"  (Global 
Monitoring for Environment and Security).  
Statistical Office of the European Community. 
European Environnent Agency. 
UN Economic Commission for Europe. 
UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. 
4th MCPFE (Vienna 2003): Indicators for sustainable forest management.  

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promote investments which enhance the ecological value of forests; 

support forest fire prevention measures; 

support restoration of forests damaged by natural disasters and fire; 

support  studies  on  the  causes  of  forest  fires,  awareness  raising  campaigns, 
training and demonstration projects; 

review  and  update  broader  protection  strategies  against  biotic  and  abiotic 
agents,  including  studies  on  risk  assessment  in  relation  to  harmful  organisms 
and invasive species.  

3.3. 

Contributing to the quality of life 

Objective: to contribute to the quality of life by preserving and improving the social 
and cultural dimensions of forests. 

Forests provide goods and services that benefit citizens, their health and their quality 
of  life,  including  amenities  and  recreation  in  urban  and  rural  areas,  occupation  and 
income  for  millions  of  people,  protection  of  soil  and  water  and  protection  against 
erosion, desertification and natural hazards. 

To contribute to quality of life by preserving and improving the social and cultural 
dimensions of forests, Member States have the possibility, within the framework of 
their  priorities  and  with  support  from  the  EARDF,  to  encourage  investment  to 
enhance the public amenity value of forests.  

Key action 10: Encourage environmental education and information  

Awareness  raising  is  necessary  to  ensure  that  the  benefits  of  sustainable  forest 
management are adequately acknowledged by society.  

The Commission will facilitate exchanges of experience between Member States on 
environmental  education  and  information  campaigns,  particularly  on  those  directed 
at children (initiatives such as “schools in the forest” or “forest education centres”). 
The Member States will promote education on sustainable forest management. 

Key action 11: Maintain and enhance the protective functions of forests 

The increasing threat of natural disasters, extreme weather events as well as erosion 
and  desertification  problems  in  parts  of  Europe  highlight  the  importance  of  the 
protective function of forests, particularly in mountain and Mediterranean areas.  

Coordinated  monitoring  and  planning  along  with  efficient  protective  measures  are 
needed.  Awareness  raising  and  knowledge  transfer  on  natural  hazard  and  risk 
management are of great importance.  

Within  the  framework  of  their  priorities,  and  with  support  from  the  EARDF,  the 
Member States may: 

– 

enhance  investments  and  sustainable  forest  management  for  natural  hazard 
prevention and safety; 

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– 

include these aspects in forest education and awareness-raising activities. 

With  support  from  the  ERDF,  the  Member  States  may  enhance  investments  for 
natural  hazard  prevention  and  safety,  notably  in  the  framework  of  cross-border 
cooperation. 

The  Commission  will  facilitate  exchanges  of  experience  on  measures  taken  to 
enhance the protective function of forests. 

Key action 12: Explore the potential of urban and peri-urban forests 

For  many  Europeans  urban  forests  are  the  main  contact  with  nature’s  benefits  and 
values.  Planning,  creating  and  managing  urban  and  peri-urban  forests  impose  new 
demands  on  forest  managers,  particularly  on  the  engagement  and  response  of  local 
communities who may be affected by or expecting to benefit from forest operations. 

Building on scientific work, the Commission and the Member States will: 

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review  and  integrate  methodologies  for  evaluating  the  social  and  human 
impacts  of  urban  and  peri-urban  forests  in  order  to  establish  appropriate 
long-term  indicators  and  robust  frameworks  to  guide  future  investment  and 
management; 

explore  structures 
local  communities  and  non-traditional 
stakeholders  in  planning,  creating,  managing  and  using  urban  and  peri-urban 
forests. 

to  engage 

3.4. 

Fostering coordination and communication 

Objective: To improve coherence and cross-sectoral cooperation in order to balance 
economic, environmental and socio-cultural objectives at multiple organisational and 
institutional levels. 

While  forest  policy  is  a  competence  of  the  Member  States,  many  policy  initiatives 
with  an  impact  on  the  forest  sector  are  developed  at  European  level.  Coordination 
between different policy areas in the Member States, between the Member States and 
the Commission, and within the Commission is particularly important for the forest 
sector. 

Key action 13: Strengthen the role of the Standing Forestry Committee 

The  Council  Decision  setting  up  the  Standing  Forestry  Committee24  provides  the 
Committee with a broad mandate on aspects related to exchanges of information and 
consultation. 

To allow co-ordinated implementation of the Action Plan the Commission, together 
with  the  members  of  the  SFC,  will  establish  a  yearly  work  programme  for  the 
Committee. 

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Decision 89/367/EC (OJ L 165, 15.6.1989, p. 14). 

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The Commission will organise joint meetings between the members of the SFC and 
the Advisory Group on Forestry and Cork25, as well as with other consultative bodies 
like  the  Advisory  Committee  on  Community  Policy  regarding  Forestry  and  Forest-
based Industries26.  

The  Commission  will  seek  to  strengthen  the  active  involvement  of  the  SFC  in  its 
advisory role in policy formulation processes, in particular by encouraging the SFC 
to provide position papers and own-initiative reports.  

The working methods of the SFC will be adjusted by making use of ad hoc working 
groups.  

Member States are encouraged to continue regularly organising meetings of the EU 
Forest Directors. 

Key  action  14:  Strengthen  coordination  between  policy  areas  in  forest-related 
matters 

In  order  to  enhance  efficient  exchange  of  information  on  initiatives  that  may  have 
impacts  on  the  forest  sector,  each  relevant  Directorate-General  will  appoint  a 
co-ordinator  for  forest-related  policies.  The  Commission  will  regularly  inform  the 
SFC  of  initiatives  and  actions  in  different  policy  areas  that  are  of  relevance  to  the 
work of the committee. While respecting the Commission’s administrative structures 
and the specific responsibilities of individual services, the Commission will further 
strengthen the role of the Inter-Service Group on Forestry. 

Key action 15: Apply the open method of coordination (OMC) to national forest 
programmes 

The Lisbon European Council defined the OMC as a method to help Member States 
to progressively develop their own policies.  

The  applicability  of  the  OMC  to  voluntary  coordination  of  national  forest 
programmes  will  be  explored  by  the  Member  States  and  the  Commission  in  the 
context of the SFC.  

Key  action  16:  Strengthen  the  EU  profile  in  international  forest-related 
processes 

A high degree of coordination is necessary both within the Commission and in the 
Member  States  to  ensure  coherence  in  different  forest-related  international 
processes. Relevant Council Working Parties, especially that on Forestry, have a key 
role to play in this regard. 

The  main  tool  by  which  international  commitments  can  be  supported  in  non-EU 
countries  is  the  economic  and  development  cooperation,  which  is  a  shared 
competence  of  the  Community  and  Member  States.  Overall  aid  levels  are  set  to 
increase  over  the  next  decade.  The  challenge  is  to  ensure  that  adequate  account  is 
taken of the role of forests when decisions are taken on resource allocation. 

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Decision 2004/391/EC (OJ 120, 24.4.2004, p. 50). 
Decision 97/837/EC (OJ L 346, 17.12.1997, p. 95). 

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Although  the  Commission  will  no  longer  have  a  specific  financing  instrument  for 
forests  after  2006,  there  will  be  opportunities  for  financial  support  from  2007  on 
from  the  Environment  and  Natural  Resources  Thematic  Programme,  as  well  as  in 
country  or  regional  programmes.  This  will  allow  support  for  implementation  of 
Multilateral  Environmental  Agreements27  and  forest  policy  processes28  to  continue. 
The  FLEGT  Action  Plan29  will  be  another  priority  objective  for  support  from  the 
Commission  and  Member  States,  in  particular  for  capacity  building  in  FLEGT 
partner countries.  

Concerning  cooperation  with  acceding  and  candidate  countries,  and  also  with 
neighbouring  European  countries,  the  Commission  will  remain  active  in  the 
Ministerial Conferences on the Protection of Forests in Europe, the UNECE Timber 
Committee and the FAO’s forest-related activities. 

Key  action  17:  Encourage  the  use  of  wood  and  other  forest  products  from 
sustainably managed forests 

is  a 

forest-based 

industries.  This  Communication 

Appropriate actions to encourage the enhanced use of wood and other forest products 
will  be  included  in  the  foreseen  Communication  concerning  the  competitiveness  of 
the 
the 
Communication on the State of Competitiveness of the EU Forest-based and Related 
Industries30,  which  included  a  thorough  analysis  of  the  sector  and  identified  key 
challenges.  The  foreseen  Communication,  taking  into  consideration  the  increasing 
global  competition  that  the  EU  forest-based  industries  are  facing,  will  focus  on 
measures to strengthen the framework conditions for the industries, in particular with 
reference to issues regarding energy and raw material. In this part it will build on the 
outcome of the work of the High Level Group on Competitiveness, Energy and the 
Environment.  It  will  further  include  issues  related  to  innovation  and  research  and 
development as well as education, training and information activities.  

follow-up 

to 

Within  the  scope  of  the  Action  Plan,  the  Commission  will  facilitate  exchanges  of 
experience  between  Member  States  on  developing  guidelines  for  application  of  the 
Public Procurement Directive to forest products. 

Key action 18: Improve information exchange and communication 

Availability  and  communication  of  up-to-date  information  are  essential  for 
enhancing public awareness and consideration of forestry in policy-making. 

The  Commission,  with  active  participation  by  the  Member  States,  will  develop  a 
communication strategy on forestry. This will outline the main steps to be taken to 
improve  communication  on  forestry  in  the  Community.  Exchanges  of  experience 
between  the  Member  States  will  take  place  in  the  context  of  the  preparation  of  the 

27 

28 
29 
30 

UN Convention on Biological Diversity, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN 
Convention to Combat Desertification, UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. 
UN Forum on Forests, International Tropical Timber Agreement. 
COM(2003) 251 final. 
COM(1999) 457 final. 

EN 

12 

   EN 

 
                                                 
strategy.  The  feasibility  of  individual  communication  measures  in  the  context  of 
future international events on forests31 will also be explored.  

The Commission will develop a “forestry” site on the Europa website. The Member 
States  will  make  sure  that  forest-related  information  in  their  relevant  websites  is 
available and can be linked with the Europa forestry site.  

In the context of the European forest monitoring system initiative, the Commission 
will work on the development of a European Forest Information and Communication 
Platform, in order to better use and communicate available information. 

In addition, the Member States are encouraged to organise visibility events, such as 
a  “Forest  Week”  or  “Forest  Day”,  to  raise  awareness  of  the  benefits  of  sustainable 
forest management. 

4. 

EVALUATION 

The Action Plan will span five years (2007–2011). A mid-term evaluation will take 
place  in  2009  and  a  final  evaluation  will  be  carried  out  in  2012.  A  report  on 
implementation of the Action Plan will be presented to the Council and the European 
Parliament in 2012. 

Collaboration with stakeholders on implementation of the Action Plan at Community 
level will be channelled mainly through the Advisory Group on Forestry and Cork. 

The  Standing  Forestry  Committee  will  be  the  coordinating  body  between  the 
Commission and Member States for implementation of the Action Plan. It will also 
be actively involved in the mid-term and final evaluations. 

31 

6th Session of UN Forum on Forests: proposal to declare 2010 as the International Year of Forests. 

EN 

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