Charting Europe's Forests: EESC recommendations for sustainable monitoring and planning

In response to the European Commission's proposals for a comprehensive forest monitoring framework, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has issued an opinion which includes  cautious welcomes, recommendations, and calls for further review. The EESC emphasizes the need for sustainability, inclusivity, and respect for property rights in the proposed forest data system, while also urging attention to technical limitations and judicial considerations.

The opinion ''EU forests – new EU Framework for Forest Monitoring and Strategic Plans'' was adopted on March's plenary.

The proposed forest data system aims to provide timely, accurate, and transparent information on European forests, enriching our understanding of these vital ecosystems. However, the EESC highlights several key areas where improvements and clarifications are necessary before the initiative can proceed.

One significant recommendation is the establishment of a common set of indicators to assess the impact of forest management on biodiversity and its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, the EESC stresses the importance of ensuring that data collected are not exploited for commercial purposes without delivering benefits to landowners.

''The new EU framework for forest monitoring should be sustainable, cost-effective and operationally feasible. It should also be timely, safe and secure, dynamic, inclusive and participatory in order to allow close cooperation between science and practice alongside better planning and evidence-based policy-making. It is crucial to ensure complementarity and prevent duplication of data already covered by existing legislation such as climate and air policies, biodiversity regulations and the common agriculture policy'' said the rapporteur of the opinion Florian Marin.

The EESC proposes the inclusion of primary forests in the data system and calls for a clear definition of forest units to ensure consistency in data collection. The Committee also advocates for the integration of trees outside forests into the monitoring framework and emphasizes the importance of processing collected data at the same speed, especially for on-site data.

In terms of long-term forest planning, the EESC recommends that every Member State develop a forest plan that incorporates social and economic aspects alongside environmental considerations. It suggests financing these plans through existing and new EU funds and ensuring alignment with other forest and wood strategies as well as the SDGs.

Moreover, the EESC emphasizes the involvement of civil society in both the design and implementation of forest data systems and long-term plans, advocating for transparency and cybersecurity measures to protect data and ensure inclusiveness.

The proposed forest monitoring framework involves a two-level split data system between the Commission and Member States, with common definitions and specific reporting frequencies to ensure consistency. Each Member State will appoint a national correspondent to oversee data exchange.

As discussions on the forest monitoring framework progress, the EESC calls for careful consideration of the balance between subsidiarity and respect for national and EU competencies, property rights, and data ownership. It stresses that economic, social, and environmental factors should be given equal importance in forest data management.

The recommendations put forward by the European Economic and Social Committee underscore the need for a comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable approach to forest monitoring and planning in Europe. As policymakers continue to refine these proposals, addressing the concerns and suggestions outlined by the EESC will be crucial in ensuring the effectiveness and integrity of the forest data system and long-term plans. (ks)