91997E3893

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3893/97 by Gerardo Fernández-Albor (PPE) to the Commission (11 December 1997)

Subject: European Union forestry strategy

A range of national programmes exists for extending public ownership of forests and subsidizing private owners with a view to achieving sustainable maintenance of forests. The goal is to significantly increase Europe's forestry reserves.

However, we should remember that despite these good intentions, in many countries these protected forests are left to survive as best they can, since the conservation legislation provided for them is old and out of date. For that reason, the new Community forest strategy should provide incentives not only for publicly and privately owned forests, but also seek to update legislation on the conservation of protected forests at Community level.

What is the current stage of consolidation with regard to the Community forestry strategy and what are the current plans for developing the future of the Community's forests, both public and private, with regard to the conservation and extension of the area under trees?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (13 January 1998)

The Commission attaches a great deal of importance to conserving and protecting the forest resources of the Community and it would like to assure the Honourable Member that this concern will play a central role in its proposals for the future forestry strategy.

It is worth pointing out, however, that legislation on forests and woodland falls within the competence of the Member States.