EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Voice of the Regions
Our European forests have a vital role to play as we face up to the challenge of climate change. Europe needs a framework for national and regional policies that allows forests to do more to reduce the negative effects of climate change, provide better protection from natural disasters and boost rural economies.
Forest owners, decision makers and citizens must take action now to ensure that adaptation – and mitigation – is given top priority. This can only happen if society is willing to pay for the ecosystem services of forests and the change to new practices ensuring that forests are ready to withstand increasing natural threats.
How forests can do more for Europe
Given the right support and direction the ‘green lung’ of Europe can provide even more benefits for generations to come.
Following three years of inter-regional exchange, the partners of FUTUREforest have jointly drawn up a prioritised key list of essential issues that must be addressed immediately. New policies – legislation and financial support schemes created in consultation with all stakeholders – must play a much stronger role in the adaptation process to real multifunctional forestry.
FUTUREforest has already proved how different regions and stakeholders across the regions can exchange innovative concepts and create frameworks for effective political tools. Support for forest owners and legal changes to encourage sustainable forest management and provide greater flexibility are needed to ensure healthy European forests which can deliver multiple benefits throughout this century and beyond.
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