Monitoring framework for resilient European forests

The ELO welcomes the aim of having high-quality and timely data, particularly in the face of climate change and the need to provide tools and information to landowners and land managers to prepare our forests for the future.

Saami Council, (SC) supports and welcomes the EU´s forest monitoring legislation (FML) proposal. However, SC expresses deep concern regarding the omission of Indigenous Peoples rights in the proposal. SC urges the integration of Indigenous knowledge, and the recognition of Indigenous rights to be significantly strengthened and respected throughout the development of FML.

Position paper Towards a robust EU Forest Monitoring Law that works for forests and forest managers Brussels, February 2024 Summary of key asks 1. Mandate Member States for the development of national integrated long-term plans and quantified targets to achieve forest protection and restoration goals. This needs to be conducted in a participatory process and following the set of indicators provided in the FML. 2.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Metsä Group welcomes the proposal for a Regulation on a monitoring framework for resilient European forests and the EUs overall objective of maintaining healthy and resilient biodiversity across Europe. Metsä Groups strategic objective is to enhance the vitality of forests and nature, as healthy and resilient ecosystems promote the competitiveness of the forest-based industry.

Climate Leadership Coalition (CLC) welcomes the Commissions proposal for a Regulation on a monitoring framework for resilient European forests, we view that enhancing the availability and quality of data on forests within the EU is needed. Climate change will lead to increasing stress in forest ecosystems and more frequent hazards like forest fires, pest outbreaks and droughts.

Protect the Forest would like to underline the urgent need for strengthened forest-related legislation across the EU and thus welcomes the Commission's proposed Forest Monitoring Framework (FML). The Commission has produced a somewhat strong proposal, which needs further improvement.

The proposed regulation aims foremost at increasing the resilience of the European forests. This aim is supported by the Bioenergy Association of Finland. Resilience and diversity are a prerequisite for healthy forests that sequester carbon and provide multiple products and services to the society. Energy is one of these services.

The Confederation of European Forest Owners (CEPF) fully support the general principle of increasing resilience of European forests. However, the real added value of this proposal and the actual means it offers for resilient of EU forest are tenuous. Forest data collection, as in this proposal and its provisions, is not a tool for achieving forest resilience.

EUSTAFOR welcomes the possibility to be able to provide its views on the new Forest Monitoring Framework Regulation (FML). It is clear to our organization that high quality, precise and timely forest data is a prerequisite for accurate planning and management of forests.

Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC) welcome the commission proposal on a monitoring framework for resilience and biodiversity in the European forest(FML). We regard the proposal as highly necessary for the future health of the European forests, not least in Sweden.

BSPB highlights the importance of the proposal in serving the aims of the Green Deal and the EU Forest and Biodiversity Strategies by monitoring the ecological integrity of forests to a much greater extent as well as further aspects relevant for healthy and resilient forests.

With this regulation, the EU is setting standards for the collection of forest areas and forest data. Instead of leaving the survey to the member states and merely requiring them to submit the necessary data, a complex and complicated system is being created that will lead to considerable costs for forest owners.

Focused on innovation, the European Association of Remote Sensing Companies, (EARSC) is a trade association with more than 140 company members from all over Europe. EARSC represents the Earth Observation (EO) industry. Please find attached our feedback.

The forest cover in Croatia is in increase for decades but that does not reflects the state of the forests in Croatia. The current definition of forest is misleading, as it can include land that is or has recently been used for agriculture, as well as non-native plantations and even tree-less areas (i.e., clearcuts where forest regeneration is planned).

The EUs forests are increasingly under pressure even though the area covered by forests is increasing. The current definition of forest can be misleading, as it can include land that is used, or has recently been used for agriculture, as well as monoculture non-native plantations and even tree-less areas (i.e., clearcuts where forest regeneration is planned).

Nordic countries have a long history of collecting forest information. For more than 100 years Nordic countries have been collecting forest data that has strategically guided and helped optimize our forest management at local and national level. The Alliance of Nordic Family Forestry (NSF), which Danish Forest Association is a member of has developed jointly this feedback.

CircE NGO, as an environmental organization dedicated to the protection of wildlife and nature, expresses deep concern regarding the urgent need to implement measures for the protection of European forests. Inadequate forest governance at both national and European levels, coupled with a lack of monitoring, has allowed unsustainable forest management practices to proliferate without any form of control.

Nordic countries have a long history of collecting forest information. For more than 100 years Nordic countries have been collecting forest data that has strategically guided and helped optimize our forest management at local and national level. The Alliance of Nordic Family Forestry (NSF), which LRF is a member of has developed jointly this feedback. LRF also support feedback provided by CEPF and Copa Cogeca.

Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK) Ref. Ares(2024)932051 - 07/02/2024 Forest Monitoring Framework for Resilient Forests Commission’s feedback Forest Monitoring Framework for Resilient European Forests The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners MTK welcomes to express views on the Forest Monitoring Regulation proposed by the European Commission in November 2023.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Forests play a vital role for biodiversity and climate, yet there is a significant deficit in public information about their status, the impact of management practices and their ecological condition. It is concerning that information about the state of forests, and their trends towards destruction or restoration, is often scattered, incomparable, inaccessible, outdated or entirely missing.

Reflection paper EU Forest Monitoring Law Five reasons why we do not need a regulation on the EU Forest Monitoring Law In November 2023 European Commission presented a proposal on a Regulation for an EU Forest Monitoring Law.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The Polish State Forests appreciate the European Commission's initiative to enhance the sustainability and resilience of forests across the European Union through the New EU Forest Strategy 2030. We support the ambition in the strategy to promote the multifunctional role of forests. At the same time, however, there are uncertainties about the added value of the current proposal for a forest monitoring regulation.

Forest Monitoring Framework for Resilient European Forests SLC, The Central Union of Swedish-speaking Farmers and Forest Owners in Finland, Svenska lantbruksproducenternas centralförbund SLC r.f., wish to express our views on the Forest Monitoring Regulation proposed by the European Commission in November 2023. The overall aim and intention of the regulation might be good.

Příspěvek Ministerstva zemědělství do veřejné konzultace Evropské Komise – návrh rámce pro monitorování lesů Evropská komise dne 22. 11. 2023 zveřejnila návrh nařízení Evropského parlamentu a Rady o rámci pro monitorování odolnosti evropských lesů, které má zprostředkovat přístup k přesným a včasným informacím o stavu lesů na půdě EU, o jejich obhospodařování a o ekosystémových službách, které lesy poskytují.

Filed in Czech · English published by the European Commission

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The association of owners of municipal, private and ecclesiastical forests in the Czech Republic (the SVOL) has serious concerns and doubts about the precise objectives and added value of the proposed pan-European forest monitoring system.

Filed in Czech · English published by the European Commission

We welcome the new EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans. We have worked with others on assessing this Framework including the Forest Friends coalition coordinated by FERN. Rather than reiterate the many good representations already made, we focus here on a few additional issues which we feel merit further coverage. 1) Funding benefits.

The Barcelona Provincial Council manages protected natural areas with a total of 102 772.5 hectares of forest, and owns around 12.000 hectares. The Diputación has a long history of active forest management policies, from planning to implementation and enforcement.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

To whom it may concern, We welcome the proposal of regulation on a monitoring framework for resilient European forests (forest monitoring law, FML). We see it as a building block in ensuring implementation of EU climate and biodiversity objectives as well as contributing to socio-economic resilience and ecosystem resilience in forests in times of fragility.

The position of East and North Finland on the Commissions proposal for EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans East and North Finland (ENF) consists of seven regions: South Savo, Kainuu, Central Ostrobothnia, Lapland, North Karelia, Oulu region and Pohjois-Savo. In addition, South Karelia is the eighth region to be part of the Forest Working Group of East and North Finland.

The new legislation is needed in order to improve the ecosystem resilience of our forests in each biogeographical region across the EU. Based on Forest Europes Status of Europes Forest (2020) report, only 2,2% of forests remained undisturbed by humans indicating significantly low natural conditions.

Stora Enso welcomes the proposal for a Regulation on a monitoring framework for resilient European forests, as we believe enhancing the availability and quality of data on forests across the EU can be beneficial. If designed right, the new monitoring framework will offer an accurate picture of the state of forests across the EU, and consequently serve as a good basis for fact and science-based decision-making.

Latvian Ornithological Society strongly supports the need for EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans and thanks EC for the current proposal. The forests of Latvia are under pressure from intensive clearcut-based forest management, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation, population declines of forest-specialist species, loss of forest carbon sink etc. However, the forest area is increasing.

Nouveau cadre de surveillance pour des forêts européennes résilientes Un cadre nécessaire pour le suivi et l’alignement des politiques de l’Union européenne La création d’un cadre unifié de surveillance des forêts européennes est nécessaire pour garantir la cohérence et l’efficacité des politiques européennes en matière de forêt, et plus généralement de biodiversité et de climat.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Cepi welcomes and encourages all efforts to further increase the knowledge base on European forests and forest resources, and to improve the quality (including timeliness of information), accuracy and comparability of forest related data available at the EU-level. Improving the knowledge and factual database about European forests is the first necessary step to address the challenges that come with climate change.

The European Agroforestry Federation (www.euraf.net) is an NGO, which aims to promote the adoption of agroforestry practices across Europe by developing awareness, education, research, policy making and investments which foster the use of trees on farms. It has a network of 31 affiliated entities in 23 countries.

BirdLife Sweden sees a huge need for EU legislation to be strengthened through the Commission’s proposed Forest Monitoring Framework (FML). An extremely clear example of this need is the recent compilation of Swedish primary forests by the Swedish authorities (see Annex).

Filed in Swedish · English published by the European Commission

EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans PLANET LABS GMBH FEEDBACK ON THE COMMISSION’S ADOPTION Feb 2nd, 2024 © Planet 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form or any means without the prior written consent of Planet.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The German Nature Conservation Association (NABU) e.V., on behalf of its more than 940,000 members and promoters, advocates the ambitious development and implementation of an EU-wide forest monitoring framework providing open access to detailed, accurate, regular and timely information on the state and management of EU forests, as well as on the many forest products and ecosystem services.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

The forests within the European Union (EU) and more specifically forest in Wallonia are facing increasing pressures, despite the expansion of forested areas. The current definition of forests may be misleading, encompassing land used or recently used for agriculture, monoculture non-native plantations, and even tree-less areas like clearcuts intended for forest regeneration.

The Austrian Land & Forestry Companies would like to thank you for the opportunity to comment. We are monitoring with concern the process of an EU law on forest monitoring and the resulting massive curtailment of data protection rights.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

The need to monitoring the condition of forests at European Union level is most reasonable and necessary. This is not a new challenge for forestry, as monitoring and large-scale forest inventories have been carried out at national and European level for many years. The data is reported by member countries internationally (e.g. FAO, Forest Europe, or reporting to the EC for LULUCF).

One of the main barriers we identify for the design of concrete forestry policies is the lack of information. The availability of data and indicators to enable the adoption of objectives, and the monitoring of their achievement, is crucial to any strategy that might be envisaged in the field of forestry.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

We welcome the European Commission’s (EC) initiative of an EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans. EU forests are in a poor state. In the case of Poland, 28% of Natura 2000 forest habitats are deteriorating and 48% are in an unfavourable state, with forestry being the biggest threat to them.

The EEB strongly welcomes the legislative initiative to propose a new EU Framework for Forest monitoring and Strategic Plans. Forests are crucial for biodiversity and climate, yet there is a lack of public information about their status, the impact of management practices, their ecological conditions or climate contributions.

Many individual studies provide a gloomy picture of the state of Europe’s forests. The overwhelming majority of forests show medium to low ecosystem integrity, although at the same time the overall forest area is growing. In protected areas, according to the EEA, forestry is the biggest threat to protected habitats and species.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

As an NGO aiming to improve citizens’ engagement in forest management and protection, as well as citizens’ access to forest data, we welcome the European Commission’s initiative to develop the “New EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans”.

May 2022 EARSC Statement EU forests – new EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans The European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC) is a trade association based in Brussels, representing the Earth Observation downstream services sector. EARSC counts more than 135 members across 25 countries in Europe.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The Deutsche Säge- und Holzindustrie Bundesverband e.V. (DeSH) welcomes in principle the creation of an improved data base in forests within the EU, as set out in the ‘New EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans’. In addition to its quality and timeliness, it is crucial for the data to be sufficiently useful, but above all the parameters to be collected.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

Stora Enso welcomes the opportunity to provide our initial views on how to assess the state of forests, how to monitor forests, and how to develop strategic visions. Healthy and resilient forests are crucial for the EU’s transition to a climate-neutral economy and for enhancing biodiversity. They are also the foundation of Stora Enso’s business.

Cepi welcomes the opportunity to provide early feedback on the initiative to develop an EU-wide forest observation framework to provide open access to information on the condition and management of EU forests. Fostering the knowledge base on the availability of forest resources with socio-economic indicators and science-based data on biodiversity is an important element for developing sound and evidence-based…

The Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center (ACCC, www.acccflagship.fi) is a Finnish Flagship constituted by the University of Helsinki, Tampere University, University of Eastern Finland and the Finnish Meteorological Institute. We are working to address two of the most urgent global Grand Challenges: climate change and deteriorating air quality.

The Department of Environmental Control of the Northwest German Forest Research Institute (NW-FVA) welcomes the EU initiative to give forest monitoring a new framework. Forest monitoring in Europe has a long tradition in many countries.

1 (2)- 06/05/2022 Ref. Ares(2022)3506060 6.5.2022 Response of Finland to “EU forests – new EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans: Have your say – online consultation” Finland welcomes the opportunity to send our response to the online consultation.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Today´s use of forest ecosystems does not meet the challenges facing society regarding biodiversity and forest ecosystem services, and not at least the need for climate adaptation of the forest and the forestry. Due to human pressures and unsustainable management the majority of the forests in Europe have medium to low ecosystem integrity.

Summarising view - FAM welcomes the initiative’s aim and agrees with the need for harmonization so that the same variables are measured and reported from all member states (e.g., timber storage, tree species mix, tree heights, diameters, soil carbon, flora on the ground, etc).

In our opinion, the harmonisation of forestry data is a major challenge not only for the EU’s forest monitoring system, but also for national forest policy-making and its reference to EU policies. National monitoring systems (e.g. large-scale inventory, monitoring of the state of forests) remain the most important for shaping the country’s forestry policy.

Filed in Polish · English published by the European Commission

The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) welcomes the European Commission’s initiative for a new EU framework for forest monitoring and strategic plans. The political context presented in the consultation text clearly demonstrates the central role of Europe’s forests in the context of the European Green Deal and in Europe’s contribution to tackling the triple planetary crisis and the implementation of the UN Agenda…

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

Az EU Bizottsága által közzétett, az EU 2020 utáni új erdészeti stratégiája tartalmazza, hogy a Bizottság – hatásvizsgálat készítése, és az érdekelt felek körében végzett konzultáció mellett – jogalkotási javaslatot fog előterjeszteni az erdészeti megfigyelési, jelentéstételi és adatgyűjtési keretrendszerre, valamint az erdészeti stratégiai tervekre.

Filed in Hungarian · English published by the European Commission

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Public debate focuses mainly on deforestation and illegal logging in the countries of the Global South, however, forestry crime is a common problem across the world – including the EU. Cyprus, Greece and Latvia are mentioned in this context, as well as Bulgaria and Slovakia.

The European Coordination Via Campesina is a European grassroots organization which currently gathers 31 national and regional farmer, farm worker and rural organizations based in 21 European countries. Rooted on the right to Food Sovereignty, our main objective is the defence of farmers’ and field workers’ rights as well as the promotion of diverse and sustainable family and peasant farming.

Despite some efforts and improvements, biodiversity in the EU continues to decline. We also see downward trends in Sweden: The Forest Agency writes: “Development in the environment is negative”. Many studies give a bleak picture of the state of Europe’s forests. The overwhelming majority of forests in Europe have low to medium ecosystem integrity.

Filed in Swedish · English published by the European Commission

We welcome the development of forest monitoring and strategic planning. All measures to improve the quality of information collected on forests will benefit multiple use of forests and policy-making. Member States’ (MS) needs and use of forest information vary why it is important to select on the EU-level top-level indicators to meet cost-effectiveness requirements.

The Austrian Timber Industry Association supports the development of an EU-wide forest monitoring framework that can help to standardise information on the sustainable resources available in Europe’s forests. Currently, information on European timber resources is limited internationally, which puts a competitive disadvantage for a pan-European networked sector such as the wood industry.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

Forest information is essential for the design of forestry policies, but also for the management of forests and other forest land, both public and mostly private, which are the majority in the European Union and with marked differences between countries and regions.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

In the context of the EU Forestry Strategy, the EU Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the climate situation, the Luxembourg Nature and Forestry Administration appreciates the proposal of a European forest monitoring framework. In relation to the main directions, it would be important to develop strategic plans at EU level.

CHALLENGE Global Forests are on the decline, be it deliberate or the opposite. Detail I will omit, though I will state that when poisons are sprayed by drones or other from the skies, the impact is on ALL LIFE. Besides, fires, agri/plant disease also have a detrimental impact on plant life i.e. Forests/food/life.

CEEweb for Biodiversity welcomes the initiative to propose an EU-wide Framework for Forest monitoring and Strategic Plans. While it’s general knowledge that forests are crucial for biodiversity and climate, not enough has been done so far to harmonise the collection of information about their status, health, and impacts of different management practices.

Europe’s forests are structurally and sequentially very diverse. This is influenced not only by the large ecological gradient from the north to the south, but also by local ecological specificities and established forest management practices. In order to best capture information on the state and development of forests, countries have optimised forest inventory methods over the years.

Filed in Slovenian · English published by the European Commission

We welcome the possibility to consult the Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plan Initiative. In our view forest Monitoring is a long-term activity with the provided benefits considerably increasing with the extending monitoring-period. In this context we suggest the maximal utilization of existing monitoring schemes and existing data series.

The Directorate-General for Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge of Spain considers this legislative initiative useful and timely and welcomes this opportunity to comment on it. Our comments are included in the attached file.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

Trustworthy information about the status and utilisation of forests, such as the recent MAES report by JRC , are key for responsible decision making. Without the existence of good quality, consistent and available data, policy and financial decision makers cannot make informed decisions. However, the current datasets are far from being consistent.

The monitoring of our forests must be improved in each biogeographical region. We must assess the distance of each management unit to its potential natural status. This would correspond to the maximum values (e.g. carbon stocks and biodiversity) found in natural forests in similar ecoregions. The status of each category of forest can be compared and the distance between them for specific characteristics (e.g.

The Swedish Forest Industries Federation (SFIF) welcomes the opportunity to provide input on this call for evidence. SFIF fully supports the view that better data and information enables better decision making. It is of crucial importance that the impact assessment clarifies a number of issues. SFIF wishes to highlight the following: 1. Clarify purpose and added value and make use of existing reporting schemes.

The Union of Southern European selvekeepers (USSE) appreciates the opportunity to participate in this consultation on this initiative to develop an EU-wide forest observation framework to ensure a coordinated monitoring, data collection and reporting system on forests in the EU, as envisaged in the new EU Forest Strategy for 2030.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

The European Landowners’ Organization (ELO) welcomes the initiative of the Commission to have an impact assessment of the proposal for a new legislation on EU Forest Observation Reporting and Data Collection to ensure a coordinated EU forest monitoring, data collection and reporting system. The latter is capital to complement the already existing inventory systems and planning policy.

Measuring forest changes in a timely manner is a prerequisite for understanding forest policy effectiveness and driving progress towards 2030. Forest measurements through Earth Observation (EO) technology can provide objectivity and transparency. Without this transparency through real-time data, the success of the EU forest legislation may not meet the expectations of its initiators.

The poor state of European forests means better monitoring is necessary: Many stand-alone studies suggest a grim picture of the state of Europe’s forests. The overwhelming majority of forests in Europe have medium to low ecosystem integrity, despite having high forest cover, because the landscape has become so fragmented. In protected areas, forestry is the highest threat to protected habitats and species.

Sweden, the opportunity to provide feedback in the Commission’s call for evidence for the impact assessment of a “New EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans”. For Sweden, knowledge and data covering forests’ conditions have for long been a high priority, as Sweden has carried out regular compliant national forest inventories since 1923.

Filed in Swedish · English published by the European Commission

CEPF key considerations: •A stable and long-term framework Any successful EU Framework on Forest Monitoring must build upon evidence-based science, existing reporting schemes, in particular national forest inventories (NFI), and the experience of Forest Focus. For long-term sustainability, a stable system is required, including durable guarantees for resources needed.

The Federation of European Publishers (FEP) is an independent, non-commercial umbrella association of European book publishers’ associations. FEP represents 29 national associations of publishers of books, learned journals and educational materials from 28 European countries. FEP is thus the voice of the great majority of publishers in Europe.

We thank for the opportunity to respond to the online consultation and want to raise the following points: 1) The Section ”Practical need for EU action” mentions the need “to reward foresters and land managers who implement land management schemes…”. However, it is unrealistic to assume that an EU level monitoring system, aiming at tactical level planning could support operational, stand level, decisions directly.

We must see forests as great allies in the fight against climate change. Forests capture CO2 from the atmosphere and store it in their woody structures through photosynthesis. Forests are carbon reservoirs and stores, that is, systems capable of accumulating or releasing carbon.

[Full document attached] According to the roadmap submitted by the Commission for the planned initiative, the objective of this project will be to centralise decision-making processes that have a direct impact on forestry in individual countries. Rule 192 par.

Filed in Polish · English published by the European Commission

EUSTAFOR appreciates the possibility to deliver its input to this consultation. As the association which represents 36 European State Forest Management Organisations (SFMOs) we are of the view that developing a credible forest information system should use the most innovative methodologies and technical solutions.

The new EU Forest Strategy for 2030 includes a new legislative proposal on EU Forest Observation Reporting and Data Collection which the Commission will put forward to ensure a coordinated EU forest monitoring, data collection and reporting system.

Independent studies suggest a grim picture of the state of Europe’s forests. This is a matter that concerns highly European Mountaineers. The overwhelming majority of forests in Europe have medium to low ecosystem integrity, despite having high forest cover, because the landscape has become so fragmented. In protected areas, forestry is the highest threat to protected habitats and species.

The proposal may be interesting provided that it takes into account some of the existing elements and does not complicate the existing reporting. I refer to the attached file with comments and comments on the following points: — A stable and long-term framework — Taking into account the legal basis and subsidiarity — Identification of specific policy objectives — Reports, data collection methods and their processing…

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

Comments from the Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), to the open consultation on a New EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans: In Sweden, SLU is responsible for the National Forest Inventory (NFI) and for official statistics about forests, including environmental conditions.

Extract: The European Organisation of the Sawmill Industry supports the creation of an European forest monitoring system as tool swiftly react to ever-growing pressure from climate change on Europe's forests and provide additional knowledge to Members States in prepare their own strategic plans.

This initiative does not raise any comments on the substance. The planned monitoring network should be enriched with an indicator to monitor the fort-ungulates balance, as the importance of a good balance on the vitality of forests (diversity of renewal, richness of the subfloor, etc.) is reinforced in a context where forests are weakened by the impact of climate change.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

Region Värmland oversees regional development in Värmland. About 60 % of the county is covered by forest, amounting to about 130 000 km2. Our forest is important to our whole industrial and innovation ecosystem, with the bioeconomy providing about 20 % of the total GRP of Värmland.

Skogforsk provides the following comments on the proposal for a new EU forest monitoring framework and strategic forest plans 1.Skogforsk acknowledges that the coordination of forest data can be useful in order to ensure consistency and clarity in European statistics. However, remote monitoring does not need to be the only approach.

Filed in Swedish · English published by the European Commission

We object to the initiative presented by the European Commission on monitoring of forests in the EU and strategic EU planning of management of forests within the EU. One main objection we have is that we are worried that satellite surveillance at the supra-state level, combined with supra-state level strategic planning for forest management, may hamper motivations with regards to forest care in our local farm and…

The most important challenge facing forests in the EU is to implement a coherent model for their sustainable use, which aims to preserve the sustainability of forests while increasing their quality, genetic and biological diversity both of the trees themselves and of other organisms associated with the forest ecosystem. Economic use should take into account the social and natural objectives of forests.

Filed in Polish · English published by the European Commission

Sustainable Biomass Program response to: A new EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans The Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) is a non-profit, independent certification scheme, specifically developed for woody biomass used in large-scale industrial heat and power production.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

The Digital Dryads Association (NGO) and AIception (business) welcome the opportunity to respond to this call for evidence. We have only a small team of highly skilled engineers but we have developed both remote sensing and ground-based observation tools and software that have been used by hundreds of thousands of people in the last two years. 1.

As a preliminary point, we would like to thank the Commission for the opportunity to comment on this initiative. The Czech Republic takes the view that the national forest inventory (NIL), which provides an overview of the state of forests in the context of individual Member States, is a proven method of monitoring. Nile is a flexible instrument that also affects forest biodiversity.

Filed in Czech · English published by the European Commission

Fransylva wishes to recall some key points ahead of the proposal for a “new EU framework for forest monitoring and strategic plans”. — A stable framework It is important to build on Forest Focus’s experience to develop a sustainable framework in the long term. The stability of the system also requires guarantees on resources.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

As regards the subject matter: Forests in the EU — new EU forest monitoring framework and strategic plans, we would like to highlight key points for consideration. 1. Stable and long-term framework Building on Forest Focus’s experience is essential for success. A stable system is needed to achieve long-term sustainability.

Filed in German · English published by the European Commission

Eastern and Northern Finland consists of seven provinces: Etelä-Savo, Kainuu, Central Ostrobothnia, Lapland, North Karelia, North Ostrobothnia and North Savo. In addition to these, South Karelia is the eighth one. as a province, part of the Working Group on Forests in Eastern and Northern Finland.

Filed in Finnish · English published by the European Commission

Memo Maija Rantamäki 1 (2) 5 May 2022 Answer by the Finnish Forest Industries Federation to the call for evidence on New EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans The Finnish Forest Industries Federation (FFIF) welcomes the EU Commission's efforts to improve the quality and comparability of EU-level forest data.

Opening of the attached position paper · the full paper is on the Commission’s record (source link above)

Feedback on: New EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans Forests of the World - an international nonprofit forest conservation organization established in 1983 and headquartered in Denmark - welcomes a New EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans.

The Federation of Swedish Family Forest Owners (hereafter referred to as the Federation) aligns itself with the submission of the Confederation of European Forest Owners and Copa Cogeca on the EU Commission’s initiative: New EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans.

As WECF, we are concerned about the human rights and environmental impacts of various aspects of this plan. If we want to successfully preserve forests and global biodiversity, we need to tackle existing inequalities. Women, in all their diversity, play an essential role in protecting biodiversity. Unfortunately, gender equality is insufficiently integrated in the proposed forest monitoring plans.

Contribution from the National Institute for Geographical and Forestry Information — FRANCE 1/Une useful initiative, the objectives of which must be specified in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity • The initiative to have at European level the knowledge needed to steer and evaluate policies is relevant to the overall challenges described. Indeed, it is necessary to go beyond what is currently produced.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

The Royal Academy of Agriculture and Forestry (KSLA) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the call for evidence for an impact assessment on a new EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans. • Strategic forest planning is a national competence and therefore KSLA has doubts regarding the proposed strategic forest plans.

We, the Programme Co-ordinating Centre of ICP Forests, welcome the new EU initiative and show in the uploaded document how pan-European forest monitoring under the International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests, https://icp-forests.net) has been providing reliable data on the condition of European forests for decades.

The French Forest Cooperation Union considers it useful and appropriate to have harmonised information at European level which is regularly updated and accessible to all on the health and diversity of European forests. However, we wonder whether: — the nature, detail and choices of the data used (environmental, socio-economic, etc.) and the objectives pursued.

Filed in French · English published by the European Commission

De Europese Commissie streeft naar een EU-verordening die voorschrijft welke informatie over bos de lidstaten aan de EU moeten verstrekken. Daar zijn op zich goede argumenten voor, maar het risico is dat ‘het betere’ een gevaar is voor ‘het goede’.

The Forestry Management Service of the Generalitat de Catalunya supports this legislative initiative, however, we would like to state the following: Referring exclusively to forest management statistics, a possible problem arises at the level of the collection of the statistical data discussed in the proposal, due to the difficulty of collecting certain geo-referenced data at plot level.

Filed in Spanish · English published by the European Commission

The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK) welcomes the initiative of the Commission to have an impact assessment of the proposal for a new legislative proposal on EU Forest Observation Reporting and Data Collection to ensure a coordinated EU forest monitoring, data collection and reporting system.

The Polish Ministry for Climate and the Environment appreciates the opportunity to express an opinion on the direction of the Commission’s work on the creation of a new forest monitoring framework and strategic plans and expresses its willingness to cooperate with the Commission on this initiative with a view to developing solutions that enable sustainable forest management to be carried out in accordance with…

Filed in Polish · English published by the European Commission

Opinion of the Association of Municipal, Private and Church Forest Owners in the Czech Republic (SVOL), which owns and manages approximately 21 % of forests in the Czech Republic. According to the SVOL, the proposed EU framework for forest monitoring and strategic plans is a very ambitious project in its planned scope. For this reason, its practical implementation appears to be highly problematic.

Filed in Czech · English published by the European Commission

The European Agroforestry Federation (https://euraf.isa.utl.pt/) links organisations campaigning for agroforestry in 20 Member States (so far). Agroforestry is the integration of trees, crops and/or livestock on the same area of land. Trees can be inside parcels or on the boundaries (hedges).

Proposal for more stringent protection of Natura 2000 forests Conservation of Natura 2000 forest areas, which account for around 23 % of the EU’s forests, 92/43/EC the provisions of Directive 79/409/EC on the protection of birds, as well as compliance with and enforcement of these provisions. loaded. However, these provisions no longer meet the expectations and challenges of the 21st century.

Filed in Hungarian · English published by the European Commission

BCE welcome the proposal to develop an EU Forest Monitoring Framework, within the context of the EU Forest Strategy, the EU Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the climate situation. Butterfly Conservation Europe has expertise on the importance of forests and woodlands for biodiversity, including wild pollinating insect species dependant on forest ecosystems, including several butterflies and moths…

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) welcomes the initiative and would like to share two ideas for consideration: 1. A standardized geospatial dataset of all EU forests should be made available. The EU INSPIRE Directive should be taken into account to achieve this goal: https://inspire.ec.europa.eu/about-inspire/563 2.

Some views on existing options for progress toward an integrated European forest monitoring, based on existing national and european systems, can be found at : https://annforsci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13595-022-01139-7 The text is in open access. The analysis stems from researchers involved in the issue of forest inventory and monitoring.

We welcome the initiative for a new EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans. Indeed, a European forest monitoring system can help to strategically plan and swiftly react to ever-growing pressure from climate change on Europe's forests.

This initiative is not consistent with what is needed to repair the natural system and rewild nature in the forests of Europe. The idea of ecosystem services is severely flawed, and only serves to make the owners of these services richer at the expense of nature.

Hello. I am not really sure I understand the process. I was expecting to see a draft document in order to offer specific comments. I could not find one, did I miss something? To my understanding an EU forest monitoring system is urgently required: data are required to make useful statements and take decisions on some rational basis. The system can be developed in many different ways.

Dear European Commission, Dear DG, Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, We have thanked you for sending this Call for Opinions to our Association. After reading the Call for Opinions we provide the following brief professional feedback to the European Commission, to Ms Ursula von der Leyen President of the Commssion, to the named Directorates-General as the Directorate-General concerned.