Naujienos

*CEPF General Assembly on 6th of May in Spain

European family forest owners held their annual CEPF General Assembly meeting on 6th of May in Spain. The CEPF reviewed recent achievements and set their eyes on what will be high on the current and future work agenda. Family forest owners will play a key role in mitigating climate change, as well as being elemental in securing a European renewable energy supply. The private forest owner's commitment to the growth and use of European forests in a sustainable way was noted as high priority.

The event was attended by CEPF members representing national organisations from 15 countries. Several presentations peppered the meeting, on recent as well as current activities, initiatives and policies having taken place over the previous year in Europe and worldwide. Climate change was the overarching focus of the discussion, as it can be seen both as a challenge but also as an excellent opportunity for the forest and forestry sector.

CEPF president Christer Segernsten highlighted in his welcome address the significant role of private forest owners since they are by far the biggest producer of renewable energy in Europe.

"Sustainable forest management remains the back bone of family forestry. As we are facing the current challenges, we as forest owners are in a prime position to offer the most effective solution in supplying climate friendly renewable Energy resources. Our commitment is based on a strong foundation, it lies in the continuous growth of forests and the sustainable use of their products from this renewable resource. Thus, we are responsible for maintaining its value", Mr Segersteen stated.

Among other issues, the potential for a legally binding agreement for forests in Europe as well as the challenges in wood mobilisation were discussed. In conjunction to the General Assembly, a seminar on the implementation of National Action Plans for renewable energy was held. Ways for enhanced cooperation between forest owners were explored. A stronger cooperation would support both fulfilling the increased demand for wood mobilisation as well as increasing production in existing forest.

The participants were treated with special features of Spanish and Mediterranean forestry. These were highlighted in a special seminar as well as a series of field visits, taking place in the mountain range of Guadarrama. These gave a wonderful and impressive glimpse on the complexity and many sides of forest ownership and cooperation in different European cultures, and left the participants content and with more understanding of the Spanish circumstances and breathtaking nature.