Forests, a central pillar in Europe's green economies

Forests cover 43% of Europe's territory and contribute an annual 520 billion euros to the economies of the European Union member states, said Orieta Hulea, Director General of WWF-Romania, at the conference "Forests at the heart of Europe's future green investments". Forests are essential for Europe's future, Orieta Hulea stressed: "Today we come together at a crucial moment for the future of Europe. Forests are not only valuable natural treasures, but also strategic assets for climate resilience, economic competitiveness, social well-being and cultural identity".

According to the data presented at the conference: Forests cover 43% of Europe's surface; Provide 2.6 million jobs; Contribute 520 billion euros annually to European economies. By providing ecosystem services, supporting innovation and strengthening local economies, forests are a key element for Europe's green future.

• Opportunities and challenges

While the role of forests is vital, Orieta Hulea drew attention to a gap between European ambitions and the financial resources allocated: "Despite their essential importance, forests are under-prioritised in the EU's financial frameworks. There is a gap between ambition and reality, a gap that we are here today to address together."

The conference "Forests - central pillar of the future of green investments in Europe" was organized by a consortium formed by: Transilvania University of Braşov - Faculty of Forestry and Forestry, WWF Romania, Association of Foresters of Romania (ASFOR), Association of Protected Natural Areas Administrators of Romania (ANANP), Association of Forest Owners and Administrators of Eastern Transylvania (APAPET), Association of Forest Administrators of Romania (AAP), Association of Furniture Manufacturers of Romania (APMR). The event, organized in the Conference Hall of the Romanian Academy in Bucharest, was structured in four thematic sessions: Forestry as a strategic sector - public policies, investments and international cooperation; Increasing EU competitiveness through sustainable forest management - innovation, green economy, employment; Establishing a common direction for the EU 2030 objectives - integrating forests into budgetary and environmental planning; Creating a financing mechanism dedicated to forests - coordinated responses to climate, social and economic challenges. The partners aimed to reaffirm the strategic role of forests and support their integration into future green investment policies.