The role of forests in society and the economy
Forests cover over 45% of the EU’s land. They are essential for the health and wellbeing of all Europeans. We depend on them for the air we breathe and the water we drink.
Their rich biodiversity and unique natural systems are home to most species found on land around the world. Forests have long held a hugely important role in our economy and society, creating jobs and providing food, medicines, materials, clean water and more. For centuries, forests have been a thriving hub for cultural heritage and craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation.
But as important as they were in the past; they are essential for our future. Forests are a natural ally in adapting to and fighting against climate change and will play a vital role in making Europe the first climate neutral continent by 2050. Protecting forest ecosystems also lessens the risk of zoonotic diseases and global pandemics. A healthy future for people, planet and prosperity therefore depends on ensuring healthy, biodiverse, and resilient forests across Europe and the world.
Europe’s forests are also being hit hard by climate change and natural disturbances like forest fires, storms, or new pests and diseases. Targeted investments in research and innovation are needed to preserve carbon stocks and carbon sinks while supporting biodiversity and providing renewable resources for a circular and sustainable bioeconomy in a holistic approach.
Research in action
Forest management
Sustainable forest management secures resources, supports biodiversity, and helps small landowners transition to new business models.
- The SMURF project aims to secure and promote small-scale forest management for sustainable wood and non-wood product use, respecting the cascading use principle, and contributing to biodiversity and climate goals, including ecosystem restoration.
- The Small4Good project helps small forest owners adopt multifunctional management and business models supported by digital and AI-driven solutions.
Forest ecosystem services and resilience
Enhancing scientific knowledge and adaptive management strengthens the ability of forests to provide ecosystem services, resist climate threats, and preserve genetic diversity.
- INFORMA, CLIMB-FOREST, and OptFor-EU enhance science-based knowledge on EU forests, including old-growth forests and capacities to mitigate climate change.
- Eco2adapt develops the Ecosystem-based Adaptation framework, derived from nature-based solutions, that harnesses biodiversity and ecosystem services to reduce vulnerability and build social-ecological resilience to climate change. The consortium works in Living Labs in Europe and China, in climate hotspots, and investigates how forest managers integrate disturbance and vulnerability into decision-making.
- OptFORESTS supports the protection and sustainable management of forest genetic resources of high interest for biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and forest reproductive materials. Diversity of forest genetic resources provides adaptive potential for tree species and populations to cope with climate change and future challenges.
- FORWARDS prototypes an observatory to provide
- timely and detailed information on European forests’ vulnerability to climate change,
- science-based knowledge to guide management using the principles of climate-smart forestry, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity preservation, and
- stakeholder engagement and public participation in decision-making processes.
Boosting the forest-based bioeconomy and digital technologies
Innovative technologies and new value chains are unlocking the economic and sustainability potential of forests through digitalization, precision tools, and bio-based solutions.
- TIMBERHAUS explores the role of timber-based construction in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable architectural practices.
- WoodStock leverages digital technologies to enhance the traceability and sustainability of wood products throughout the supply chain.
- DIGIMEDFOR focuses on integrating digital technologies and precision forestry tools to improve forest management and ecosystem monitoring.
- SINTETIC investigates the use of synthetic biology to bolster forest health and resilience against environmental challenges.
Forest knowledge and governance
Collaboration and innovation in forest governance drive the exchange of expertise and the creation of robust research agendas across Europe.
- FOREST4EU establishes interregional innovation hubs focusing on five topics—wood mobilisation, climate adaptation, sustainable management, non-wood products, and agroforestry—to facilitate knowledge transfer and best practices connecting existing Operational Groups (OGs) from different countries around Europe.
- The EUFORE will develop a sustainable, transnational, co-creative environment to define, implement and evaluate R&I agendas and roadmaps for the entire forest-based value chains in Europe.
Coordination and alignment of EU and national R&I priorities
The EU is also supporting the coordination of European transnational research. The proposed candidate European co-funded partnership on Forests and Forestry for a Sustainable Future is currently in preparation, to address the multifunctional role of forests.
