Bringing EU forestry closer to nature
EU forests have suffered significant degradation due to intensive forestry practices and the escalating impacts of climate change. Alarmingly, harmful practices have sometimes been certified as "sustainable," undermining genuine efforts to protect forest ecosystems. Closer-to-nature forestry provides a viable ecological alternative to conventional forestry by prioritising biodiversity, climate resilience, and ecosystem health. Learn more in our position paper.
Closer-to-nature forestry (CNF) is a compelling solution to counteract the alarming decline in Europe’s forest ecosystems. By aligning forest management practices with natural processes and maintaining continuous forest cover, Closer-to-nature forestry moves away from destructive techniques. Evidence shows that CNF can be as profitable – if not more so – than traditional forestry, offering steady income streams and reducing reliance on intensive management practices. CNF also supports local communities by delivering cultural, recreational, and educational value.
There is an urgent need to shift toward forestry that prioritises resilience, restores biodiversity, and ensures economic sustainability and social equity. With the right policy framework, CNF certification could play a transformative role in forest management. It could attract financing, improve market access for sustainably sourced products, support regulatory compliance, and facilitate participation in payment for ecosystem services schemes. Scaling up CNF practices will not only benefit forest ecosystems but also provide long-term economic and social advantages for forest managers and local communities.
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