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Forestry and plant conservation in Europe

Forest policy across Europe is mainly based at the national level. There is an EU Forestry Strategy, but no binding forestry legislation at the European level, although discussions are underway on the possibility of this route.

The Important Plant Areas (IPA) programme in 11 countries across Europe found that poor forestry practices (intensified forest management, deforestation and afforestation) was the single most widespread threat to IPAs, affecting 47% of sites.

Old growth or ‘virgin’ forests are particularly important for plant, fungi, lichen and bryophyte conservation but they form a tiny proportion of overall forest cover in Europe. These remaining areas need to be targeted urgently for increased protection. Afforestation of other habitats, such as grassland and heath, is also a key threat which looks set to increase if climate change targets are applied without thought to wider biodiversity concerns.

Forest Europe

Formerly the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe is a forum for the forestry ministers from 46 European countries and observer organisations which sets guidelines and standards for sustainable forest management and protection. It is involved in discussions on the potential for legally binding European forestry policy.