ERIAFF Forested Regions

Description of the aims and goals of WG’s activities

The Forested Regions Working Group aims to strengthen cooperation among European regions in addressing the sustainable management and governance of forest ecosystems. It promotes the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and policy approaches to enhance the resilience, multifunctionality, and economic value of forests within the bioeconomy framework.

The group supports the alignment of regional strategies with European policies, fostering innovation in forest-based value chains and encouraging the sustainable use of forest resources. It also facilitates collaboration among public authorities, research institutions, and stakeholders to develop integrated solutions addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and rural development.

Through joint initiatives and interregional cooperation, the Working Group contributes to reinforcing the role of forested regions in Europe’s green transition, while ensuring a balanced approach between environmental sustainability, economic development, and social benefits.

Challenges to address

The Working Group addresses key challenges such as:

• Fragmentation of forest policies across regions
• Limited coordination among stakeholders
• Need to balance environmental, economic, and social functions of forests
• Increasing pressure on forest ecosystems due to climate change impacts (e.g. extreme events, biodiversity loss)
• Difficulties in aligning local priorities with European strategies
• Challenges in scaling up innovative forest-based solutions
• Limited stakeholder awareness and engagement
• Gaps in knowledge transfer hindering the implementation of sustainable forest management practices