EU policy must change to recognise forests’ carbon offset potential and sustainable energy contribution, said stakeholders at a conference organised by the Finnish forest industries federation in Brussels on Tuesday. Austrian climate expert Dr Bernhard Schlamadinger, from Joanneum Research, suggested that recognition of forestry projects as emission reduction projects by the European emission trading scheme could be a first step to creating supply-side incentives to increase forest cover.
He noted that demand-side incentives such as targets for biofuels had dominated to date.
Eastern Europe’s agricultural reforms are currently creating opportunities for forestry projects, said Dr Schlamadinger, while their acceptance by the EU ETS (Emission Trading Scheme) would send a positive signal to developing countries and perhaps help international climate talks.
Dr Schlamadinger was joined by industry representatives in stressing the value of forests as a source of secure, renewable energy and products. The sector is actively involved in developing biomass energy, although it stresses this should happen without state subsidies to avoid distorting competition for wood as a raw material.
President of the Finnish forest industries federation Anne Brunila called for forests to be recognised as an integral part of the renewable energy mix.
Deforestation is responsible for an estimated one-fifth of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, more than transport. One cubic metre of timber is estimated to store one tonne of carbon dioxide.