EU launches forest action plan with strong research component
The European Commission has launched a Forest Action Plan which, it hopes, will support and enhance sustainable forest management and the multifunctional role of forests. Research is seen as a crucial component of the plan. The main objectives of the plan are improving the long term competitiveness of the forestry sector; improving and protecting the environment; contributing to quality of life; and fostering coordination and communication. The Communication states that, 'Research and technological development are crucial for the sustainable development of the EU forest sector.' Most of the research actions can be found in the section on improving the competitiveness of the sector. For example, the Commission commits to continue its support for forestry research and development in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), and says it will continue to encourage the development of the Forest-based Sector Technology Platform. According to the plan, the Commission is looking into the possibility of establishing a forest science forum in order to strengthen the science/policy interface. A workshop on the matter will be held in 2007. The importance of research to the success of the plan is also evident in the section on the use of forest biomass for energy generation; research into the use of forest resources for the production of heat, cooling, electricity and fuels is also covered by FP7. The Forest Action Plan is due to run for five years (2007-2011).