EU Forest Strategy supporting multifunctional forests Dan Burgar Kuželički Unit “Environment, Forestry and Climate Change” DG Agriculture and Rural Development International Conference on “Integration of Biodiversity Enhancement in Sustainable Forest Management in the framework of the EU Forest Strategy Prague 6-7 th October 2016

Overview Eurobarometer survey Policies related to forests Rural Development policy EU Biodiversity Strategy 2

3 EU Forests 3 3

4 We have demands, they have solutions… 4

Results of the Eurobarometer Published in January 2016, it shows the perception of public towards forests Results show that forests have to deliver multifunctional benefits. 5

Policies related to forests Forests Common Agricultural Policy Biodiversity & Environment Climate and Energy Forest- Based Industries Plant health & Reproductiv e material Research & Innovation International agreements Information & knowledge base Coordination & Governance 6

EU Forest Strategy EU Forest Strategy - Strategy for forests and the forest sector supporting multifunctional forests Strategy for forests and the forest sector: holistic view of forests and all related policies, addressing also the value chain. Objective: support sustainable forest management and strengthen the coordination with Member States as well as the coherence of EU policies affecting forests Ensuring that forests play a positive socio-economic & environmental role in the EU: rural development, added value products while delivering ecosystem services 7

Forests and forestry in Rural Development Policy Contributing to the sustainable management of forests Measure code Summary table for forestry related measures and operations, total public expenditure Public expenditure (€) Number of beneficiaries or actions Area (ha) M1trainings, farm exchanges, demonstration (1.1 to 1.3) M2Advisory services (2.1 to 2.3) M4Investments in physical assets (4.1_to_4.4) M6Farm and business development M7Basic services (7.1) M8.1Afforestation and creation of woodland M8.2Establishment of agroforestry systems M8.3Prevention of damage to forests M8.4 Restoration of damage to forests from forest fires and natural disasters and catastrophic events M8.5 Investments improving the resilience and environmental value of forest ecosystems M8.6 Investments in forestry technologies and in processing, in mobilising and in marketing of forest products M12.2Natura 2000 (12.2) M15,1Forest-environmental and climate services M15.2forest genetic conservation M16Co-operations ( ) SUM total public expenditure

9 Restoration of damage from fires and natural disasters 780 million € Restoration of damage from fires and natural disasters 780 million € Investments in forestry technology and to processing and marketing of forest products 830 million € Investments improving the resilience and environmental value of ecosystems 1,5 billion € Prevention of damage to forests 1,5 billion € Some numbers Afforestation 2,2 billion € 564 thousand hectares About 8.2 billion EUR of public expenditure is programmed for the period for measures relevant to forests and forestry in Rural Development Programmes 9

Natura 2000 and Water Framework for forests in RD Public expenditure: € 220 million Around 410,000 ha Some numbers 10

Drawing up and updating of N2000/HNV area management plans Public expenditure: Around € 95 million Some numbers 11

Investments improving the resilience and environmental value of forest ecosystems Public expenditure: 1,5 billion EUR and almost 3 million ha Some numbers 12

Cooperation for forestry in RD Public expenditure: Around € 44 million Some numbers 13

Habitats Directive, Natura 2000 & Forests 14

Natura 2000 and Forests Key provisions of Natura 2000 in a forest management context Frequently asked questions on forest management in Natura 2000 Helps integrate Natura 2000 conservation objectives into forest management Supports dialogue and cooperation between all parties 15

EU Biodiversity Strategy Mirrors the 'Aichi targets' of the international Convention on Biological Diversity Specific forest target Action 12: Integration of biodiversity measures in forest management plans 16

In the pipeline: 17

The multifunctional role of our forests and sustainable forest management are increasingly influenced by broader cross- sectoral policies and global commitments. Furthermore, the general public often associates forests with major climate, environmental and social benefits. However, we should always remember that the economic viability of the European forest sector remains a key pillar of sustainable forest management. Economic viability is of crucial importance for maintaining the multiple benefits that forests provide to society, and especially for providing a living for rural populations Some last reflexions… 18

19 Thank you for your attention may the forest be with you