Brussels, 05/10/2015 (Agence Europe) - In Strasbourg on Monday evening, 5 October 2015, EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan unveiled the Multi Annual Implementation Plan (MAP) of the EU Forest Strategy to the European Parliament's agriculture committee.
Aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainable management and development of forests in the EU, the MAP is a follow-on from the 2013 Forest Strategy, updating the challenges which the sector faces, while still balancing the economic, social and environmental benefits of forests, explained the European Commission in a press release.
The Forest MAP provides a concrete list of actions in order to ensure a coherent, coordinated approach to the various policies and initiatives relating to the forest sector, with the particular involvement of stakeholders. The plan also includes actions to enhance essential ecosystem services provided by forests - such as flood, landslide and erosion protection, carbon sink, climate stabiliser, habitat for animals and plants, genetic resource, and recreational space - and to provide both experts and the public with comprehensive and harmonised information on EU forests. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)