Protect environment and biodiversity but also deal with the way forest resources are used to generate goods and services: the new EU forest strategy looks in both directions. EU Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development Dacian Cioloş said today: “Forests are key ecosystems, as well as a source of wealth and jobs in rural areas, if they are managed in a proper way”.
The Strategy highlights that forests are not only important for rural development, but also for the environment and biodiversity, for forest-based industries, bioenergy, and in the fight against climate change. The Commission emphasizes the economic potential of the forestry sector, which counts about 3.5 million jobs and nearly € 500 billion a year, an important area for development potential, based on the sustainable management.
Commissione europea (27/09/2013)