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The importance of planted forest for future green economies recognised in the conclusions of the 3rd International Congress on Planted Forests
It was organized by five of the major European Atlantic countries (Spain, France, Ireland, United Kingdom and Portugal), under the coordination of the Atlantic Regional Office of the European Forest Institute (EFIATLANTIC), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Union of Foresters of Southern Europe (USSE).
The congress report is mainly based on the deliberations made in one plenary meeting celebrated in Estoril (Portugal) and three scientific workshops held in Bordeaux (France), Dublin (Ireland) and Porto (Portugal), dealing with, respectively, vulnerability and risk management; ecosystem services; and governance, economics, trade and markets. This report, produced by a committee of international experts on planted forests, can be now downloaded from the Internet at:
The main outcomes of the congress highlight the importance of planted forests in theadaptation to climate change, their contribution to poverty alleviation and food security, the provision of ecosystem services, the support of sustainable livelihoods and the provision of renewable wood resources and energy.
Challenges and risks, as well as the research needs to improve the sustainable management of planted forest were also identified and addressed during the congress. The recommendations and guidance made on such subjects are summarized in the congress report, which is now available.