Deputy Minister Dr. Georgi Kostov signed the two documents of FOREST EUROPE on behalf of Bulgaria at the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe held on 14-15 June in Oslo, Norway. They set forth the future developments in sustainable forest management.
Health and sustainability of Europe's forests are essential in solving the challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity protection and fresh water supplies. Forest vitality is also crucial for fostering a green economy in Europe and across the globe. The protection and sustainable management of Europe's forests requires a stable and efficient platform for coherent policy development and implementation.
To respond to this challenge, European ministers responsible for forests have decided to launch negotiations for a legally binding agreement (LBA) on forests. This far-reaching political step was taken at the Forest Europe Ministerial Conference that took place on 14-16 June in Oslo, Norway.
.Decisions taken by the ministers are further specific European contribution to International Year of Forests 2011, and underline the key role of forests to human welfare.
The conference in Oslo was attended by ministers and high-level representatives from 42 Forest Europe countries. Six observer countries from outside Europe and 29 international organizations including environmental and social NGOs, forest owners' associations, the forest industry and intergovernmental organisations participated as observers.