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Forests

Mountain forests ensure a multiplicity of functions

Forests in mountain areas cannot be ignored…

georgia-305935Forests are the most common land cover of mountains in Europe (in the wide sense), covering 41% of the total area, according to the European Environmental Agency (Europe’s ecological backbone: recognising the true value of our mountains, 2010). In 17 European countries, forests occupy more than 50% of the mountain area.

Mountain forests provide multiple functions, essential for human activities. These include not only the production of wood (particularly valuable for construction and energy) but also the provision of ecosystem services, such as protection against natural hazards, conservation of fauna and flora, landscapes, regulation of water supplies, and carbon storage.

 

… and should be better valorised

nature-366620_640The specific natural conditions of mountain forests (slope, climate, soils) make their exploitation difficult. Equally, the critical ecosystem services provided by forests must be taken into consideration. Consequently, adapted solutions have to be developed and implemented to ensure that enterprises working in mountain forests participate in, and benefit from, the development of the supply chains (particularly relating to the construction and energy sectors) in a sustainable way.

 

Our actions

The theme of mountain forest has often been dealt with  by Euromontana throughout its activities. From November 2010, it became a specific study topic, when the preparation of a study financed by the French Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fishery, Rural affairs and Land management started.

 

Policy – representation

forest-505860_1920Euromontana follows closely and informs its members about the European policy regarding forestry.

At the European Union level, the treaty does not provide a European forest policy. The EU action is mainly a strategic coordination action between the actions of the Members States and the EU policies that impact on the forest (environment, biodiversity, bio-economy, rural development, industry …). The Commission has adopted a new strategy for the forest and wood sector the 20th of September 2013, replacing the 1998 strategy. The new strategy is turned down into action plans to be implemented by each Members State. The European Funds for Agriculture and Rural Development (EAFRD) constitutes 90% of EU funding available for foresters. The European Parliament also monitors the development in forest policy.

 

Studies

holzstapel-338461_640Study “The utilisation of mountain wood and the organisation of  mountain wood industries”

Study cofinanced by the French ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, Rural affairs and Spatial planning. April 2012

The objective of the work is to identify andanalyse positive and sustainable practices regarding the extraction and use of wood and the organisation (formal, e.g.,organisation of wood owner, union, association, etc.; or informal) of wood supply chains in mountain areas (from production to end products) , in European countries with mountain forests with sufficient harvesting potential.

Study “Innovation and Circular Economy in the Mountain Forest Supply Chain: How to Close the Loop?”

The study, finalised in March 2017, presents the concept of the circular economy, its potential application in forestry, with a focus on the mountain forest supply chain, and the circular economy at the EU level. It also presents a series of 12 good practices in innovation and circular economy in mountain forestry to show how the concepts may be applied in practice.

 

Events

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2 weeks ago

Euromontana
Discover our new research & innovation ESIRA Project💡➡️ It will help to boost social innovation in rural areas in 9 pilot areas across Europe, 5 of which are mountainous 🌄Check it out 👇www.euromontana.org/en/enhancing-social-innovation-in-rural-areas-esira-kicks-off/ ... See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago

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Unlock the secrets to rural mobility! 🚎Join us on 7 March, 14:00-16:30 CET for a dynamic online workshop.Learn from experts in Italy, Germany, Spain, and Portugal about innovative solutions. Interactive sessions and Q&A included! 🌍✨Reserve your spot👉 bit.ly/49dQ115#MobilitySolutions #RuralInnovation #RegisterNow ... See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago

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Save the date for the biennial gathering of Europe's mountain stakeholders! 🚨 4 days in the Pyrenees dedicated to making mountain economies more sustainable, resilient and prosperous 🌄📆 15 - 18 oct 2024📌 Puigcerdà, CataloniaMore info ⤵www.mountainconvention.eu@followers ... See MoreSee Less
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4 weeks ago

Euromontana
🚨 Call for Session Contributors | DEADLINE: 1 MarchAre you passionate about environmental challenges and prospects for sustainable mountain regions? Share your insights and experiences at the MOVING Scientific Conference!📝 Submit your abstract (500 words) to moving.coord@uco.es by specifying your preferred session:➡️ Environmental challenges of mountain areas➡️ Value chain contribution to #resilience and #Sustainability➡️ The future of mountain areas💡 Don't miss this unique opportunity to exchange insights with the MOVING project and shape the future of mountain regions.All the details: bit.ly/3IaCrjq#MountainsMatter ... See MoreSee Less
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