International Day of Forests: EU4Environment supporting sustainable forestry in the Eastern Partnership
The International Day of Forests, celebrated annually on 21 March, reminds us of the vital role of forests in sustaining life on Earth. Forests are home to over 80% of the world’s land-based species of animals, plants, and insects. They provide food, protect water resources, and contribute to soil fertility.
In the Eastern Partnership countries forestry plays a critical role in the region’s economy, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and water regulation. However, challenges such as illegal logging, deforestation, unsustainable land use, and climate change threaten the sustainability of forest resources.
In order to address these threats, the EU4Environment Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the World Bank, supports the Eastern Partnership countries with conservation and sustainable forestry.
In Armenia, the Programme has developed a roadmap and recommendations for implementing Sustainable Forest Management certification to fight against illegal logging, enhance market opportunities for certified forest products, and improve overall forest management. EU4Environment is also facilitating the introduction of timber trade control in the country to track itemised wood products.
In Georgia, the Programme has developed a set of guidelines on the management of forest areas within Emerald Network sites to harmonise the long-term preservation of species and habitats with sustainable forest use. This will help to ensure essential benefits and services from nature, including clean air and water provision, prevention of soil degradation, protection against erosion, and support for agricultural production.
In Moldova, EU4Environment is currently developing a web platform to enhance product traceability and stock management of forest products. The platform lays the groundwork for improving the sustainable management of forest resources, establishing a more structured and transparent market.
In Ukraine, EU4Environment will work on a range of activities, including strengthening the timber tracking system and competitiveness of the woodworking industry, and enhancing strategic finance and investments in the forestry sector.
All these efforts are aimed at improving sustainable forest management and environmental governance, controlling the timber trade, preventing illegal logging, and encouraging eco-tourism in the partner countries.
Sustainable forestry is not just about conservation – it’s about creating long-term value and opportunities for communities, businesses, and the environment.
Across the region, the EU4Environment Programme supports the partner countries in identifying innovative financing schemes for the sustainable management of forests and ecosystem services. The countries are supported by sharing regional and international experience on green finance instruments and by engaging with researchers and practitioners working on natural capital economics and payments for environmental services. Support is also provided to raise awareness about green finance instruments for the forestry sector.
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