Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on an EU Forest Action Plan COM(2006) 302 final
Date: 2006-10-26
Institutions: European Economic and Social Committee
Subjects: EU Member State, European forestry policy, action programme, biodiversity, competitiveness, forest conservation, wood industry

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Official Journal of the European Union

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Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Communication from the
Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on an EU Forest Action Plan

COM(2006) 302 final

(2006/C 324/14)

On 19 July 2006 the European Commission decided to consult the European Economic and Social
Committee, under Article 262 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the abovementioned
proposal.

On 4 July 2006 the Committee Bureau instructed the Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the
Environment to prepare the Committee's work on the subject.

Given the urgent nature of the work, the European Economic and Social Committee appointed Mr Wilms as
rapporteur-general at its 430th plenary session, held on 26 October 2006, and adopted the following
opinion unanimously.

1. Conclusions and recommendations

and the contribution of
modern society:

forests and forest management

to

1.1
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
points out that an EU Forest Action Plan must be drawn up in
an economically, ecologically and socially (sustainably) balanced
and equivalent way. The same applies to the practical implemen-
tation of the key functions.

1.2
The Committee takes the view that the number of objec-
tives should be increased from 4 to 5, by adding ‘Promotion of
the forest as a workplace’ which would include the ‘safeguarding
and extension of the vocational skills of those employed in
forests’ and the ‘strengthening and maintenance of rural areas’.

1.3
The Committee proposes that the subject of safeguarding
and extending vocational skills of those employed in forests
should be taken into account when considering the forest as a
workplace. This is a reasonable proposal, since it is ultimately
the employees of forest enterprises, ministries and administra-
tions of the Member States who will be expected to put the
Action Plan into practice in the rural areas alongside the forest
owners.

1.4
The EESC sees the strengthening and maintenance of
rural areas as an important factor in ensuring that the EU Forest
Action Plan can be successfully implemented on the spot in the
Member States. The rural areas chapter of
the Action Plan
actively ensures that these areas in Europe have a future and do
not atrophy and lag behind as ecological and social wastelands.

1.5
The Committee attaches importance to the fact that the
EU Forest Action Plan is a totally reliable project and not a mere
declaration of will. Reliability is the key to the acceptance and
credibility of an EU Forest Action Plan.

2. Introduction

In drawing up the EU Forest Action Plan the Commission
2.1
and the Member States formulated a common vision of forestry

Forests for society:

long-term, multi-functional forestry,
2.2
which fulfils current and future social requirements and guaran-
tees forest-related livelihoods.

forestry offers economic, ecological,
2.3 Multi-functional
social and cultural advantages. It provides renewable, environ-
ment-friendly raw materials and plays an important role in
economic development, employment and well-being in Europe,
particularly in the rural areas. Forests contribute to the quality
of life, in that they provide a pleasant living area, leisure and
recreational opportunities and at
the same time represent
conservation and ecological values. Forests should conserve the
spiritual and cultural heritage which they represent.

In line with the above, the Action Plan pursues four

2.4
objectives:

— improving long-term competitiveness;

— improving and protecting the environment;

— contributing to the quality of life;

— fostering coordination and communication.

2.5
The five-year Action Plan (2007-2011) consists of a
range of key actions which the Commission would like to put
into practice together with the Member States. It also contains
additional actions which can be carried out by the Member
States in accordance with their specific conditions and priorities
with the support of existing Community instruments; the imple-
mentation of these may also make national instruments neces-
sary.

2.6 With a view to the practical implementation of the EU
Forest Action Plan a transparent framework is needed for forest-
related measures and decisions at Community and Member
State level.

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The Action Plan should serve to inform and develop
targeted forest policy activities between Community

2.7
further
measures and the forest policies of the Member States.

3.1.2 On Key action 2:

‘Encourage research and tech-
nological development to enhance competitive-
ness of the forest sector ’

2.8
The objectives of the EU Forest Action Plan are the main-
tenance, support and extension of economic, ecological and
social
(sustainable) forest management and of the multifunc-
tional role of forests.

3.1.2.1
In addition to encouragement, the general exchange/
knowledge transfer of results of research and technological
development between European research centres should also
help to strengthen the competitiveness of the forest sector.

2.9
The principle would be to lay down nationally compar-
able forest programmes as a binding framework for the imple-
mentation of international forest-related obligations and rules.
The growing importance in forest policy of global and cross-
sectoral themes, such as the use of wood as an energy source,
requires better consistency, information and coordination.

3.1.2.2
To improve the general competitiveness of forestry
the Action Plan should clarify scientifically, in cooperation with
the individual Member States, how many employees with rele-
vant qualifications are needed in the Member States to carry on
sustainable forest management on the basis of national laws and
regulations in an economically viable way.

2.10
Against the background of the great variety of ecolo-
gical, social, economic and cultural features and the different
forms of forest ownership in the EU, the EESC believes that the
Action Plan should take account of the need for specific regional
incentives and measures for the various kinds of forest manage-
ment and property relationships. It brings out the important
role played by forest owners, forest management employees and
the rural area in the sustainable management of EU forests.

3.1.3 On Key action 3:

‘Exchange and assess exper i-
ences on the valuation and marketing of non-
wood forest goods and ser vices’

The Committee recommends the Commission to take
the following five objectives in its EU Forest

2.11
into account
Action Plan:

3.1.3.1
The EESC considers that the forest owner should not
be compensated through subsidies for currently non-marketed
forest goods and services. The payment for services should be
made directly to the forest owner by the individual users and
beneficiaries.

— improving long-term competitiveness;

— improving and protecting the environment;

— improving the quality of

life through sustainable forest

management;

— fostering coordination and communication;

— promoting the forest as a workplace.

3. Actions

3.1 ‘Improving long-term competitiveness’

3.1.3.2
The Committee advises the Commission to propose
to the Standing Forestry Committee that an ad hoc working
group be set up to find out and document what activities and
experiences in connection with additional marketing possibilities
for forest products and services exist in the individual Member
States. All forest owners and Member States will benefit from
such an exchange of documentation.

3.1.4 On Key action 4:

‘Promote the use of

forest

biomass for energy generation’

3.1.4.1
In the processing of wood residues for energy genera-
tion it must be ensured that this use does not lead to impover-
ishment of soil quality and consequent reduction in the variety
of species.

3.1.1
The Committee believes that potential forest products
other than wood, such as the provision of high-quality drinking
water or the relationship between CO2 and the trade in emis-
sions, should in this connection be taken into consideration
under this objective.

3.1.4.2 When chemically treated wood waste is used as an
energy source it should be ensured that in the combustion
process dangerous residues are not released into the air and soil.

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The EESC believes that European decisions must be
3.1.4.3
taken on the basis of scientifically based research results as to
who (Member States) uses wood as an energy source, and how
and where it is used in a sustainable way. In the developing
countries alone 50 % of wood consumed is used up as irre-
(energy source) with no corresponding added
placeable fuel
value. This should not be allowed to happen in the Member
States of the EU; it should be ruled out. The most favourable
strategic choice in ecological, economic and social terms for
European energy production using wood should be assessed in
a long-term perspective and put into practice.

3.1.4.4
Before any genetically manipulated seed or plant
material is used in forestry it must be ensured that it is ecologi-
cally acceptable.

3.1.5 On Key

action 5:

cooperation
between forest owners and enhance education
and training in forestr y’

‘Foster

the

Cooperation should be encouraged not only with
3.1.5.1
forest owners but also with those employed in forestry. Here the
forester and middle management in the rural area have a special
role as a link between forest owners and industry; this role
should be maintained and promoted through appropriate struc-
tures. The mobilisation of wood resources and forest manage-
ment depend on the availability of qualified management on the
spot.

forest owners,

Against this background, the EESC argues that the
3.1.5.2
training and
Member States should promote the vocational
further training of
forest
workers and forestry enterprises. The Member States should
also
encourage not only forest owners'
employees' professional organisations by setting up advisory
services. This encouragement is a component of sustainable
(social) development, which is particularly needed in the rural
environment.

forest management,

associations but

3.2 ‘Improving and protecting the environment’

3.2.1
The Committee believes that the maintenance, protec-
tion and extension of ecological sustainability in forestry and
conservation are essential to achieve this objective proposed by
the Commission.

3.2.2
The EESC sees voluntary certification of forest enter-
prises in recognised certification systems as very helpful in guar-
anteeing, promoting and extending sustainability.

3.2.3 On Key action 8:

‘ Work towards a European

Forest Monitori ng System’

3.2.3.1
The EESC welcomes the concept of a European
Forest Monitoring System. The relevant international organisa-
tions to be involved should be listed by name to ensure that
important actors and expertise are not omitted.

3.2.3.2
A European Forest Data Centre should present the
collected, scientifically evaluated data to a wide public and make
it available as needed in accordance with the guidelines of data
protection.

3.2.4 On Key action 9:

‘Enhance the protection of EU

forests’

3.2.4.1
The important basis for current information on the
state of forests is the annually drawn up and published forestry
reports of
the
Committee believes that
the individual
reports should be promoted through the EAFRD and the Life+
instrument.

individual Member States. Therefore,
the drawing up of

the

3.1.5.3
To increase the competitiveness and the economic
viability of forestry the Member States can also, as part of their
priorities,

3.2.4.2
The transition from single crops, which are suscep-
tible to fire, to mixed stands as a precaution against forest fires
should be used and promoted more intensively.

— support the development of professional organisations;

— involve professional

forestry associations as a matter of

course in forest policy decisions;

Concerning the third objective of

3.3
the Action Plan
proposed by the Commission (‘Contributing to the quality of
the Committee proposes the following new wording:
life’),
‘Improving the quality of
life through sustainable forest
management’.

— promote the individual job profiles of forestry on the basis

of the EU Forest Action Plan;

— support the voluntary certification of forestry in recognised

systems.

In its communication,

3.3.1
the Commission notes that
Member states can encourage investment to enhance the public
amenity of Forests. The Committee considers the EAFRD should
as well provide support in maintaining and strengthening rural
areas, as forests play a very important role in it.

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3.3.2 On Key action 10:

‘Encourage environmental

education and infor mation’

The promotion of training and information measures
3.3.2.1
should not be confined to the environmental field; the social
field should also be promoted. The two fields overlap,
for
example the social responsibility of
teachers or the cultural
dimension require a maximum of training and information in
the social field.

3.3.3 On Key action 12:

‘Explore the potential of

urban and per i-urban forests’

In urban areas and conurbations woodland and the
3.3.3.1
stock of wood are clearly decreasing in all Member States.
Woodland is at risk both from greater emission damage and
particularly from clearing activities. Compensatory land in the
same natural area is rarely available, owing to the above average
demand for residential and industrial
land and the constant
extension of infrastructure. Roads, railways and airport exten-
sions play an important part in this trend.

3.4 ‘Fostering coordination and communication’

3.4.3 On

Key

action
exchange and communication’

18:

‘Improve

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infor mation

To achieve a multiplier effect, all stakeholders in
3.4.3.1
forest management should be involved and financially supported
in events likely to have great influence on the public in the
Member States.

3.5
In order to guarantee sustainable forest management in
the EU, The EESC believes that the vocational skills of those
employed in the forest should be ensured. The strengthening
and maintenance of rural areas also plays a decisive role in this
connection. Therefore, the EESC calls upon the Commission to
take into consideration the following new objective:‘Promoting
the forest as a workplace’.

3.5.1
The Committee stresses that the forest can fulfil all its
functions and social tasks only if enough people (forest workers,
forest management officials and forest
machine operators,
managers) are employed in its management and care. These
employees should have a basic specialised qualification and
receive continuing further training. Of course this also applies
to forest owners working with their employees. The qualification
should be adapted to the economic, ecological and social
requirements of the job. This applies particularly to ensuring
conservation in forests.

3.4.1 On Key action 13:

‘Strengthen the role of

the

Standing Forestr y Committee’

3.5.2
new Key actions:

To achieve this objective, the EESC proposes following

— Key action 19: Promotion of training and further training

3.4.1.1
The EESC considers that, during the implementation
of the Action Plan joint meetings, should be organised in which
from the entire sustainable forest
associations and actors
management of Europe meet and represent
their respective
fields. The same applies to the setting up of ad hoc working
groups. These measures would ensure that
the Action Plan
would be accepted and supported by many actors in forest
management.

— Key action 20:

the connection between
sustainable forest management and vocational training/quali-
fication in the forest sector

Investigation of

— Key action 21: Rural areas

3.4.2 On Key action 16:

‘Strengthen the EU prof ile in

inter national forest-related processes’

3.5.3 On Key action 19: Promotion of

training and

fur ther training

3.4.2.1
A measure to reduce worldwide deforestation would
be to establish a European primeval forest protection law laying
down among other things under what legal conditions wood
from tropical and primeval forests arrives in the EU and is
processed and used there. The Commission should examine an
appropriate legal initiative and achieve the adoption of a Euro-
pean primeval forest protection law by 2012. The EESC would
like to emphasise that the ongoing EU FLEGT process can be a
tool to combat worldwide deforestation and deterioration of
primeval forests. The FLEGT legislation should work as a system
to prevent illegally logged timber entering the EU markets and
processing industry.

The Commission and the Member States should
3.5.3.1
increase their promotion of training/further training, research,
development and technology transfer in the field of forestry,
wood and conservation.

3.5.3.2
The Committee defends that the Commission must
support recognised forest management certification systems,
which help to guarantee and extend employment by providing
indicators of sustainable personnel planning and development
in forest enterprises.

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3.5.4 On Key action 20: Investigation of the connec-
forest management
training/qualification in the

tion between sustainable
and vocational
forest sector

The Commission should support scientific research
3.5.4.1
on the connection between sustainable forest management and
the vocational
forest owners and
employees in forest management (clarification of requirements).

training/qualification of

The EESC advises the Commission to make a study
3.5.4.2
of what specific job profiles are needed to ensure that the forest
sector is competitive in the long term.

3.5.5 On key action 21: Rural areas

3.5.5.1 Woodland in the Member States is mainly found in
structurally weak rural areas. In these areas the forest sector
ensures the maintenance of the infrastructure and the employ-
ment and income of the forest owners and the rural population.
Without economically intact forestry these ecologically valuable
tourist areas would be uncoupled from the general development
of a country. Likely consequences of this would be migration of
population away from the land, an ageing population, neglected
woodlands or decline in infrastructure. The destruction of rural

Brussels, 26 October 2006.

structures leads inevitably to difficulties in the use of wood as a
raw material at a time of increasing global demand.

3.5.5.2
The Commission should promote and support inves-
tigation and research on the importance of forestry for rural
areas.

3.5.5.3
The EESC believes that the Member States should be
called upon to guarantee and improve the labour market situa-
tion in rural areas. Social hardship arising from continuing
structural change is to be avoided. If necessary such develop-
ments
coordinated
counteracted
programmes. The attractiveness of rural areas for the popula-
tion, particularly young people, should be increased.

through

should

be

The Committee urges the Commission to support
3.5.5.4
rural areas financially through the EAFRD. On receipt of a
request
financial support should be given directly to forest
owners/enterprises or to combinations of forest enterprises.

4. Evaluation

4.1
The Commission should ensure that all stakeholders of
European forestry are represented in the Advisory Group on
Forestry and Cork.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Dimitris DIMITRIADIS