Commission for Natural Resources
Uma nova estratégia da UE para as florestas e o setor florestal
Opinion factsheet
Conteúdo desta página
- Agricultura, Assuntos Marítimos e Consumidores
- Florestas
Opinion number:
CDR-7115-2013
Status:
Adotados
Objective
Show the important role of LRAs in the implementation of the strategy, especially as they are affected first and are responsible for the forests that are closer to them. Ask for means, more participation in decision making.
Ask for better implementation/monitoring tools, such as indicators, mid-term review etc.Also, more flexible funding, incl. from the Partnership Agreement.
Propose a shift of consumer behaviour towards more sustainable choices
Pay particular attention to the effect of the policies on EU SMEs competitiveness.
Ask for better implementation/monitoring tools, such as indicators, mid-term review etc.Also, more flexible funding, incl. from the Partnership Agreement.
Propose a shift of consumer behaviour towards more sustainable choices
Pay particular attention to the effect of the policies on EU SMEs competitiveness.
Essential points
THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS
- welcomes the European Commission's communication on a new forestry strategy which addresses in a comprehensive and balanced way all aspects of sustainable management of the forestry and forest-based sector;
- points out that forests are influenced by economic conditions, not only directly but also over the long term, as there is often a considerable time lapse before effects make themselves felt. Phenomena such as arson, land-use change, illegal logging and poaching are becoming increasingly common. As a result, it is necessary to step up surveillance and carry out checks and cost-benefit studies on planned land use, and to make provision for possible long-term consequences;
- regrets the fact that the European Commission does not refer to the role of local and regional authorities in implementing the strategy. Their participation would ensure a balance between the ever-increasing economic exploitation of forests and sustainable development;
- regrets that the Commission's communication does not have a multi-fund approach, while the targeted funding available under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development may not be sufficient to deal with the challenges facing forests;
- considers that adopting the cascade principle for wood could be too restrictive, as not all regions have the infrastructure or companies providing the full range of options for processing and using wood. It would therefore be more realistic to promote the principle of efficient use of resources, as part of a comprehensive approach and under the guidance of local and regional authorities, with the aim of ensuring sustainable management of Europe's forests;
- welcomes and acknowledges the achievements of voluntary certification schemes and recommends that this be broadly underpinned by other measures, including financial instruments. Certification could serve as an instrument to help stem the flow of illegal timber and timber products.