Strengthening Sustainable Forest Management in the Boreal Region

Experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Europe convened in Helsinki on 27-28 January for the Workshop on the Implementation of the European Commission’s Forest Guidelines in the Boreal Region. The event provided a platform to advance discussions on sustainable forest management practices in line with EU environmental objectives.

Organised on behalf of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment and Climate, with the support of the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of the Environment of Finland, Milieu Consulting, and Stritih Sustainable Development Consulting, the workshop focused on key aspects of forest conservation. Participants explored the implementation of EU guidelines on primary and old-growth forest protection, closer-to-nature forest management, and biodiversity-friendly afforestation, reforestation, and tree planting.

Key Takeaways from the Workshop

Discussions during the two-day event underscored the need for innovative approaches to sustainable forest management. Among the key lessons highlighted:

• Economic viability of biodiversity-friendly practices – Sustainable forest management techniques can be both environmentally beneficial and economically feasible.
• Growing demand for financial incentives – Interest is rising in financial mechanisms such as carbon credits to support conservation efforts, afforestation, and sustainable forest management.
• Value of local expertise – Stakeholders on the ground play a crucial role in advancing biodiversity-friendly land use practices, reinforcing the need for inclusive decision-making.

The workshop reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange among public authorities, academia, civil society, and industry. It highlighted the European Commission’s commitment to bridging the gap between policy and practice by ensuring continuous stakeholder engagement in forest conservation and management.

The organisers extended their gratitude to the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, as well as to all participants, for their valuable contributions to the discussions.