The UN Forestry Forum which met in New York at the end of April approved the internationally recognised principles for the protection of forests and implementation of sustainable forest management. “Until midnight of the first day, it was not clear whether an agreement on the achievement of the objectives which are important for the whole world and on the principles for ensuring sustainable forestry is reached or not,” described Marku Lamp, acting Head of the Forest Department of the Ministry of the Environment, the situation at the meeting. “While EU Member States, especially Germany, as well as Canada and other developed countries favoured creation of a mechanism necessary for protecting sustainable forestry, several states (e.g. Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia) which focus on intensive use of forest resources and the resultant economic gains stated their objections to these.” Nevertheless, the Forum reached an agreement that the measures for ensuring sustainable forest management have to be strengthened and the respective obligations have to be clarified, the importance of forests in achieving internationally agreed development objectives has to be increased and states have to cooperate in implementing forestry measures. The states committed themselves to stop worldwide reduction in forests, for example through sustainable management and reforestation of cut forests. Furthermore, the states will increase the ecological, social and other values of forests by fostering increase in the living standard of people depending on forests. According to the recent overview of the status of forests, the world has lost 3% of the area of forests primarily due to human activities during 1990–2005 (0.2% a year on average). Whereas Africa has lost 9% of its forests and about half of the forests which have suffered from fires are in Africa as well. “In Estonia, the principles of sustainable forestry have been widely implemented and the respective important global objectives have been met as well,” said Mr. Lamp. “More than half of the Estonian mainland is covered in forests which are habitats for about 20,000 plant, animal and mushroom species.” More than 30% of Estonian forests are under protection which places us in the leading position in the whole world. Lots of cultural heritage has been preserved in our forests and forests are a place to spend our free time. Forests are important for Estonian economics as these account for 6% of the GDP and provide employment for 45,000 people. By 2015, Estonia and other states as well have to increase the benefits received from forests and values of forests, keeping in mind the set objectives, which also means an increase in the living standard of people who depend on forests. Help from our state to developing countries to ensure sustainable development of forests should increase more and more. In order to monitor the activities implemented for the protection of forests, the Forum considered it necessary to create a monitoring and reporting system and submit overviews to the meetings of the UN Forestry Forum. The next Forum will meet in 2009. In order to popularise forestry issues, the year 2011 is planned to be declared International Year of Forests. For additional information, please contact: |
