Résumé :
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The initiative to convene a Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe was taken jointly by France and Finland and took place at Strasbourg in December 1990. For the first time at ministerial level, the need to protect European forests was recognised, and ministers responsible for forests committed themselves to technical and scientific co-operation through a follow-up programme of six resolutions. Three years latter Finland and Portugal, assisted by France and Poland convened the Second Ministerial Conference, at Helsinki in June 1993. At the Helsinki Conference, the new resolutions signed by the ministers dealt with issues that required political attention and stimulation in Europe, in view of the ongoing international dialogue on forests, and the urgency attached to the promotion of the sustainable management of forests, the conservation of their biological diversity and of a deeper understanding of the consequences of climatic change for forests. Special emphasis was given to cooperation for enhancing the development of the forest sector, particularly concerning the countries with economies in transition. The Ministerial Conferences of Strasbourg and Helsinki are essential references in the development of a new mechanism for forest co-operation in Europe. The identification of common issues and the establishment of the appropriate framework for action has resulted in increased co-operation in technical and scientific forest related matters and the enhancement of sustainable forest management in Europe. This report, produced for the Third Ministerial Conference for the Protection of Forests in Europe, June 1998 in Lisbon, describes the main achievements which resulted from the commitments assumed by European Governments. However, this report does not include any vivid description on how close European forest Experts have developed mutual confidence and have been working together to support the development of forests and forestry within this Ministerial process. The continuation of the work and realisation of future Ministerial Conferences are the best possible ways to acknowledge the importance of the commitments assumed so far and to further promote sustainable management of European forests.
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