Private forestry could contribute significantly towards overall sustainable development in the EU, a gathering of European forest sector representatives has heard.
Confederation of European Forest Owners president Esa Härmälä told the fourth Forest Academy Finland forum that to achieve its potential forestry needed to be recognised as a sector in its own right instead of being subjected to the “fragmented” policies of other sectors.
Mr Härmälä also called for political recognition of the non-marketable services provided by forest owners, such as reforestation, nature management and protection, plus social values.
The October 27-29 forum also heard that Estonia experienced “euphoria” when private forest ownership was re-introduced but intensive harvesting had caused problems.
Estonian Private Forest Union chairman Jaanus Aun acknowledged the need for improved legislation and regulation of private forest property in the interest of society. He said such restrictions should result in compensation for forest owners, a view not currently shared by the Estonian government.
Finland’s environment minister Jan-Erik Enestam said the challenges of sustainable forest management called for open attitudes and courageous action. He highlighted the Forest Biodiversity Programme for Southern Finland, which features natural values trading and forest biodiversity co-operation networks, as a good example.
