At the Fifth Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (FOREST EUROPE) held in Warsaw, Poland, the Ministers responsible for forests declared the week of 20-24 October 2008 the first European Forest Week that was held then in Rome, Italy. The aim was to increase the visibility of forests and forest sector and raise awareness about their important contribution to the protection of the environment and the development of economy and society in Europe.

2013 is a special year for forests, with many activities and initiatives underway to recognize and strengthen the important role forests play in our lives. The 21st of March will mark the first ever official International Day of Forests and the Tree, as declared in November 2012 by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

 2013 will also mark several achievements for forests and the forest sector including:

A pan-European framework agreement, developed under FOREST EUROPE Ministers’ mandate, to ensure that forests are managed responsibly.

    A new ECE/FAO work programme, encompassing sustainable forest management as well as the sound and legal use of forest products, for raw material and energy, and forest services.
    An Action Plan for the forest sector, to promote the role of forests in a green economy.
    The 20th anniversary of the European Forest Institute, commemorating two decades of research and policy advice.

FOREST EUROPE among some fifteen supporting organizations met on 19 February to share ideas, contribute suggestions and plan events and celebrations for the European Forest Week. They also discussed key messages to highlight the healthy state of Europe’s forests and to attract public attention to how forests, forest products and services contribute to a green economy and to maintaining a healthy society.

Governments, international organizations, NGOs, schools, and other groups are invited to contribute to celebrating the Week. Details about key messages and other information will be made available soon.

For more information, please contact:

Eve Charles: eve.charles@unece.org