Activities of Teuvo HAKKARAINEN related to 2019/2157(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
The European Forest Strategy - The Way Forward (debate)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on the European Forest Strategy - The Way Forward
Amendments (48)
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the area of forest in the Union is increasing, inter alia as a result of forestation; whereas nearly 25% of the total area of forest in the EU belongs to the Natura 2000 network;
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9
Citation 9
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU’s internal and international commitments to, for example, the European Green Deal, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement and the creation of a zero- emission society, will be impossible to achieve without the climate benefits and other ecosystem services provided by forests and the forest- based sector;
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union makes no reference to a common EU forest policy, and responsibility for forests lies withwhereas therefore the EU has no competence with regard to the forest policies of the Member States, but whereas the EU has a long history of contributing, through its policies, to sustainable forest management (SFM) and the Member States’ decisions on forests;
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the Commission's attempts to influence forest policy, which is a sole competence of the Member States, inter alia on the pretext of promoting biodiversity, possibly in the form of new, area-based, protection targets, which could even adversely affect climate and the environment in Member States that are managing their forests well, are cause for concern;
Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas Europe’s forests are of immense value in terms of climate mitigation, since they absorb and store 10 % of EU carbon emissions; whereas forests play a multifunctional role and whereas in future they should not be regarded purely as carbon sinks;
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas forests and the entire forest-based value chain are fundamental to the further development of the circular bioeconomy as they provide jobs, ensure economic welfare in rural and urban areas, deliver climate change mitigation and adaptation services, offer health-related benefits, and protect the biodiversity and prospects of mountainous and rural areas, in addition to which the bioeconomy improves the Union's self-sufficiency;
Amendment 80 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the decision from the Commission to introduce a new forest strategy; stresses the need for the forest strategy to fully observe the principle of subsidiarity and observes that, in all circumstances, forest owners have the power to decide on forest management within the framework of national law; emphasises, in this regard, the need for a holistic and consistent forest strategy that enhances the multifunctional role of forests and the forest-based sector in the EU and that promotes the far- reaching societal, economic and environmental benefits of forests; underlines the urgent need to prevent and manage natural disturbances; highlights that the forest strategy should not be subordinate to any other sectoral strategy;
Amendment 90 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Observes that the Paris Climate Agreement treats forest fires as a natural phenomenon; notes that forest fires can be prevented by ensuring forest growth, reducing the quantity of dead wood and ensuring that there is a comprehensive network of forest roads; considers that the Paris Agreement should recognise that good, planned management of commercial forests can prevent forest fires; takes the view that countries that have succeeded in preventing forest fires should be rewarded in carbon calculations;
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes the actions taken by the Member States and the Commission to meet the objectives of the EU Forest Strategy and the involvement of the Standing Forestry Committee, the Civil Dialogue Group on Forestry and Cork, the Expert Group on Forest Fires, the Expert Group on Forest-based Industries and Sectorally-related Issues and relevant stakeholders in the multiannual implementation of Forest MAP;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the promotion of SFM in the EU, as part of the EU Forest Strategy and the rural development measures implemented under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), has had a positive impact on the biodiversity of forests in the EU and has enhanced the climate benefits offered by the forest-based sector; notes, however, that there is still a need to strengthen SFM in a balanced manner in order to ensure that forests are better able to adapt to changing climate conditions and, to reduce the risks and impacts of natural disturbances and to safeguard opportunities for present and future generations to exploit forests, for example in such a way that forest owners' objectives are realised;
Amendment 126 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Urges the Union to promote the multifunctional use of forests, including economic use, as a result of which forest cover and the associated problems such as illegal felling, land grabbing and damage to environmental benefits and biodiversity in third countries would also be reduced;
Amendment 134 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Observes that protection targets that are country-specific or formulated in terms of land area can even have negative effects on climate and the environment in countries that are managing their forests well; calls for measures to increase forestation particularly in countries that have little forest cover;
Amendment 144 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises the important role forests can play in substituting fossil-based materials with bio-based products; believes that the new forest strategy should reflect the importance of the role played by European forests and the EU’s circular bio- economy in reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and that measures to this end should be included; observes that wood has great potential as a renewable building material which sequesters carbon; believes that there is a need for better communication concerning the environmental impact of using wood for building, so that the use of wood as a sustainable construction material can be promoted;
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Observes that, in all situations, the forest owner has the power of decision over the use to be made of a forest, within the limits set by domestic law;
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Observes that the EU should not adopt overlapping criteria in addition to national legislation and to voluntary certification systems that are more stringent than the law; considers that diversity criteria that go beyond legislation should be left to owners and the wood-buying industry to decide and be guided by the market mechanism; takes the view that the market mechanism can deliver faster, more acceptable and more far-reaching results than regulation;
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that over the past decades EU´s forest resources have been increasing in terms of forest cover and volume, and currently forests and other wooded areas cover at least 43 % of the surface of the EU and; points out that the sector employs at least 500 000 people directly3 and 2.6 million indirectly in the EU4 and that maintenance of this workforce and the sector´s long-term competitiveness require constant efforts to attract skilled and trained workforce to the sector; _________________ 3 Eurostat database on forestry, available at: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/forestry/d ata/database 4European Parliament fact sheet of May 2019 on the European Union and forests.
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Observes that the area of forest in the Union is growing, inter alia as a result of afforestation, and that managed commercial forests not only bind carbon better than unmanaged forests but also reduce emissions and problems caused by deterioration of the condition of forests; notes that sustainable management of commercial forests has the very best impact on the climate, and that countries which manage their forests well should be rewarded for this;
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises that long-term investments in SFM ensure that forests remain not only economically viable, but also contribute to achieving the many goals of the EU, including the successful implementation of the European Green Deal and the transition to a circular bioeconomy;
Amendment 175 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Reiterates that forests and the forest-based sector significantly contribute to the development of local, circular bioeconomies in the EU; stresses that in 2010 the bioeconomy represented a market estimated to be worth over EUR 2 trillion, providing 20 million jobs and accounting for 9 % of total employment in the EU; notes that every euro invested in bioeconomy research and innovation under Horizon 2020 will generate about EUR 10 in added value;
Amendment 177 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that research and technology have come a long way since the forest strategy was introduced in 2013; stresses the importance of encouraging further research in forestry and bio-based products and believes that EU funds for research should be further directed towards this; stresses that more research and funding would make a positive contribution to climate change mitigation, sustainable economic growth and employment, especially in rural areas; stresses that the Union should allocate sufficient resources to funding forestry measures in accordance with the expectations of policy on climate and the environment, including investment in protecting and restoring forests;
Amendment 184 #
8. Acknowledges the crucial climate benefits of forests and the forest-based sector; highlights the need to increase CO2 sequestration in forests, carbon storage in wood-based products and the substitution of fossil-based materials and energy; notes however the importance of avoiding unnecessary market distortions for wood- based raw-materials as it comes to support schemes for bioenergy;
Amendment 195 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 207 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses its concern over the health condition and resilience of forests in many parts of Europe; highlights the need to strengthen and make full use of EU mechanisms to tackle the transboundary pressures on forests from the spread of invasive alien species, pests, and diseases, and considers that comprehensive pest management should be promoted and facilitated as the climate cycle moves into a warmer phase.
Amendment 207 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Deplores the fact that it has not been possible to do anything to prevent forest damage or about extensive damage by insects; considers that comprehensive pest management should be promoted and facilitated as we enter a warmer phase of the climate cycle;
Amendment 209 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Recognises the role of forests as regards provision of recreational values and forest-related activities such as harvesting of non-wood forest products e.g. mushrooms and soft fruits; takes note on the opportunities in enhancing biomass removals as forest fire prevention via grazing but also notes that wildlife grazing have a negative impact on seedlings and therefore notes on the needs for sustainable management of grazing fauna;
Amendment 211 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Observes that nearly 25% of the total area of forest in the EU belongs to the Natura 2000 network;
Amendment 213 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
The future – the crucial role played byguidelines for the post-2020 EU Forest Strategy and the European Green Deal in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement
Amendment 220 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the recent publication of the Commission’s European Green Deal and lLooks forward to the upcoming post-2020 EU Forest Strategy;
Amendment 223 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Considers that the Union's forest strategy should concentrate on supporting and promoting the competitiveness of forestry - the EU's forest industry, bioeconomy and bioenergy; considers that the forest strategy should particularly aim to achieve self-sufficiency in wood for the EU, as a result of which forest cover and the associated problems such as illegal felling, land grabbing and damage to environmental benefits and biodiversity in third countries would also be reduced;
Amendment 225 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Considers that forests' role in climate policy should be viewed primarily through the bioeconomy, as increasing the use of renewable fuels and materials, rather than setting targets for the size of forest sinks or protected forest areas; considers that, until the full potential of the bioeconomy has been exploited, there will be no need for additional legislation on forests;
Amendment 226 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Observes that the development of the EU's bioeconomy depends, inter alia, on the development of technology and markets, on the European and international political framework and on the sustainability of the use made of the EU's forests; notes that some of these factors are easier to influence than others; expresses itself therefore in favour of eliminating unnecessary legislative obstacles, promoting intersectoral cooperation and promoting investment in research and development in order to facilitate change in this industry;
Amendment 233 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the Commission’s 2020 Work Programme and especially the acknowledgment of the new EU Forest Strategy’s contribution to the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change; stresses, in this regard, that in future, forests should not be considered solely as CO2 sinks or as the only type of CO2 sink as that would give other sectors less of an incentive to minimise their emissions; highlights, in addition, the importance of transitioning from a fossil-based society;
Amendment 234 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Observes in addition that the ambitious targets set in the EU's energy policy for increasing the share of renewable energy should be taken into account in supporting the use of biomass produced by forests;
Amendment 239 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Emphasises the crucial role of forests, the forest-based sector and the bioeconomy in achieving the goals of the European Green Deal; stresses that achieving the EU’s environmental and climate goals will never be possible without multifunctional, healthy and sustainably managed forests and viable industries; encourages, in addition, actions to increase forest cover in low-forest-cover Member States, especially in areas where forests have been destroyed by man and grazing; considers, furthermore, that new protection requirements should focus on areas where human activity and grazing have destroyed forest or where particularly valuable natural forests exist;
Amendment 250 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Observes that the Paris Climate Agreement treats forest fires as a natural phenomenon; notes that forest fires can be prevented by ensuring forest growth, reducing the quantity of dead wood and ensuring that there is a comprehensive network of forest roads; considers that the Paris Agreement should recognise that good, planned management of commercial forests can combat forest fires; takes the view that countries that have succeeded in preventing forest fires should be rewarded in carbon calculations;
Amendment 268 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses that an ambitious, independent and self-standing EU Forest Strategy is needed for the post-2020 period which is not subordinate to any other sectoral strategy; calls for a new EU Forest Strategy that builds on the holistic approach to SFM, taking into account all of the economic, social and environmental aspects of the forest-based value chain and the fact that in some Member States more than half the land area consists of forests; stresses that a coordinated and coherent approach to forests, the forest-based sector and the multiple services they provide needs to be developed, given the growing number of national and EU policies directly or indirectly affecting forests and their management in the EU;
Amendment 283 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Takes the view that the EU Forest Strategy should act as a bridge between national forest policies and EU objectives relating to forests, recognising bothe power of decision of forest owners and the achievements of certification, the need to respect national competence and the need to contribute to wider EU objectives;
Amendment 299 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses the importance of evidence-based decision-making with regard to EU policies relating to forests, the forest-based sector and its value-chain; calls for all forest-related aspects of European Green Deal measures to be consistent with the post-2020 EU Forest Strategy, particularly with a view to ensuring that SFM has a positive impact on society;
Amendment 305 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Highlights the need to take into consideration the links between the forest- based sector and other sectors as well as the importance of digitalisation and investing in research and innovation; stresses the crucial role of wood-based materials in substituting fossil-based alternatives in industries such as the construction industry, the textile industry, the chemical industry and the packaging industry; considers it important to stress the benefits to health of the forest-based sector not only from the point of view of clean air and recreation but also from the point of view of providing raw materials for the medicines industry and particularly the production of hygiene products, which serve to limit the spread of pandemics;
Amendment 319 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Observes that wood has great potential as a renewable building material which sequesters carbon; believes that there is a need for better communication concerning the environmental impact of using wood for building, so that the use of wood as a sustainable construction material can be promoted;
Amendment 341 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Observes that agroforestry, the combined cultivation of trees and agricultural crops and/or a combination of tree growing with livestock farming, could reduce forest fires, particularly in Mediterranean countries; points, furthermore, to the importance of a comprehensive and well-maintained network of forest roads and regular forest management in preventing and managing forest fires, thus avoiding the release of carbon from unnecessary forest fires, which affects the climate; stresses that opportunities for large-area pest control should be increased;
Amendment 354 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recognises the role of biodiversity in ensuring that forest ecosystems remain healthy and resilient; highlights the importance of the Natura 2000 sites in which there is a possibility to provide the society with multiple ecosystem services, including raw materials; notes, however, that sufficient financial resources are needed to manage such areas;
Amendment 389 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses the crucial importance of the CAP and forestry measures in implementing and funding the EU Forest Strategy; encourages the continuity of forestry measures under the 2021-2027 CAP; highlights the need for other easily accessible, well-coordinated and relevant EU funding mechanisms;
Amendment 396 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Stresses that the Union should allocate sufficient funding to measures for the forest-based sector, corresponding to the new expectations of that sector, including investment in the development of forest areas and in improving the viability of forests, maintaining networks of forest roads, forestry technology, innovation, and processing and taking into use forestry products;
Amendment 420 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines the essential role of high-level research and innovation in fostering the contribution of forests and the forest-based sector to overcoming the challenges of our time, such as adaptation of the EU’s forests to climate change; stresses the importance of the EU’s post- 2020 research and innovation programmes and recognises the role of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research;
Amendment 433 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Highlights the fact that global deforestation and forest degradation are serious problems; points out that policy initiatives should be developed to tackle issues outside the EU, with a focus on the tropics and the drivers of unsustainable practices in forests from outside the sector; stresses the need to foster the implementation of the EU Timber Regulation and the FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade) action plan in order to prevent the entry of illegally sourced wood into the EU market; calls for concrete requirements avoiding arbitrary interpretation of the EUTR due diligence system;