Paphos: The challenges of Europe's forest ecosystems, with a focus on climate change, forest fires, biodiversity protection, and strengthening forest resilience, were the main topics of discussion at the meeting of the EU Directors General for Forestry.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting was held in Paphos on April 28-29 as part of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The discussions were guided by the new European approach to Integrated Wildfire Risk Management and the European Commission's Guidance Document on the Natura 2000 Network and Climate Change.
Savvas Ezekiel, Director of the Forestry Department, welcomed participants on behalf of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU and chaired the meeting. This gathering of Directors General of Forests is a regular event organized by each EU Council Presidency to facilitate the exchange of views, experiences, and knowledge on critical issues affecting European forests and the forest-based sector.
The meeting was attended by 58 representatives from 23 Member States, the European Commission, and five European organizations and bodies. The Paphos meeting underscored the significant role of the Cyprus Presidency in shaping the European dialogue on forests, biodiversity, climate change, and integrated forest fire risk management.
The discussions emphasized the importance of active, evidence-based, and sustainable forest management as crucial for protecting Europe's forests and enhancing their resilience to environmental and climate challenges.