Family foresty is at the heart of sustaining Europe’s forest ecosystems and enhancing rural development, the Confederation of Forest Owners (CEPF) has said.
CPEF president Christer Segerstéen said forests covered almost 40% of EU land and 60% of that was privately owned.
“Millions of people are behind preserving and managing this – a substantial part of Europe’s living capital,” he said.
This, the International Year of Forests, was an opportunity to increase awareness of the positive role of European forests, he said, and he called on the EU to recognise the contribution of private forest owners.
“Our presence on the ground and our readiness to take up an array of new challenges, as well as to adjust our business decisions, are fundamental in delivering needed robustness to ensure EU social and conomic prosperity,” said Mr Segerstéen.
