PEFC at the 10th FOREST EUROPE Ministerial Conference
PEFC International welcomed the outcomes of the 10th Forest Europe Ministerial Conference in Stockholm, where ministers and high-level representatives reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable forest management (SFM) and adopted the Stockholm Ministerial Declaration.
Representing PEFC International, Maja Drča, EU Representative, joined policymakers, forest sector stakeholders and international organisations recently in discussions on the future of forests and forestry in Europe.
A shared foundation for sustainable forest management
Over the past three decades, FOREST EUROPE has played a defining role in shaping sustainable forest management. PEFC’s standards are firmly rooted in this work, drawing on the internationally agreed definition of SFM and the Criteria and Indicators developed through the process.
The Stockholm Ministerial Declaration reaffirms FOREST EUROPE’s role as the pan-European platform for advancing SFM and commits signatories to keeping its Criteria and Indicators relevant to evolving environmental, social and economic challenges.
Recognition of certification’s role in the Ministerial Declaration
One of the most significant outcomes for PEFC is the explicit recognition of certification in the Declaration.
In point 13, ministers acknowledge that the implementation of SFM is supported by “the coherent combination of legislation, technical guidelines, voluntary certification schemes and other initiatives.”
This recognition highlights the complementary role certification plays alongside public policy by translating sustainability commitments into measurable and independently verified practices on the ground.
Forest certification is sometimes overlooked in policy discussions, despite its proven contribution to implementing sustainable forest management. It was encouraging to see ministers recognise certification as part of the toolbox and acknowledge the role it plays alongside legislation and other instruments.
Maja Drča, PEFC International EU Representative
Common priorities for the future
Discussions throughout the conference highlighted strong alignment between FOREST EUROPE’s future priorities and PEFC’s ongoing work to ensure certification remains fit for purpose.
Key themes included keeping SFM practical and implementable, supporting forest owners and managers, recognising the multifunctional role of forests, while strengthening climate adaptation and biodiversity protection, improving social outcomes, and enhancing economic viability as well as embracing innovation and technology.
These priorities are reflected throughout the Stockholm Declaration and reinforce the shared commitment to resilient forests and resilient societies.
Looking ahead
The conference once again demonstrated the value of FOREST EUROPE as a platform for dialogue, cooperation and shared solutions.
PEFC thanks Sweden for its leadership during its chairmanship and congratulates Albania as it prepares to lead the process into its next chapter.
As forests face increasing environmental, social and economic challenges, FOREST EUROPE and PEFC share a common objective: ensuring that SFM remains practical, credible and effective for future generations.
