Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe

Mr Chairman, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to speak to you on behalf of the Norwegian government.

We are gathered here to take decisions on forest issues of highest political priority within Europe. These priorities, climate change mitigation, energy supply and water protection, are essential for quality of life for the people in Europe and in the rest of the world.

We experience that the Arctic sea ice declines much more rapidly than foreseen. The sea ice extent in mid September 2007 has shown to be reduced by 40 per cent, compared to the 1979 to 2000 average. Coming from a northern country, this is worrying to us.

Expected changes in the global climate, represent a great threat to us all.  We face major challenges in meeting these changes and the impact they cause.

European countries have undertaken, or are in the process of setting, quite ambitious goals for future reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In June this year, the Norwegian government presented a white paper on climate change policy to the Parliament. The proposal from the government implies that Norway will undertake a 30 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as compared to the base year, by 2020, and be carbon neutral by 2050.  

Based on recommendations from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the forest sector can contribute significantly towards a reduction in emission of greenhouse gases.

In Norway we emphasise to develop a forest policy which is streamlined with the Norwegian climate change policy.

Firstly, we will stimulate to a continuous high production of wood in the forests, with a view to enhance carbon sequestration, and enlarge the future stock of raw materials. Annual net carbon sequestration in Norwegian forests, as a result of growing stock increment, equals to 50% of the total human induced greenhouse gas emissions in Norway.

Secondly, our policy is focused on measures aimed to increase the use of durable wood products.

Thirdly, emphasis is on the forest sector as a provider of renewable energy.

In particular, I see potential for a significant increase in the production and use of bioenergy from sustainable managed forest resources. A variety of biomass sources could be used for energy purposes. As agriculture area in Norway is rather limited, I have clearly stated that arable land should be used for food production also in the future. Consequently, forests represent the largest raw material base for energy production in Norway. In an international perspective, development of forest-based bioenergy can merit future global food supply.

We have to focus on means to increase wood production, and to bring more wood to the markets in order to address a growing demand. A boost in the use of biomass for energy will also rely on innovative solutions, related to production, distribution and markets for bioenergy. We have to direct our efforts towards research.

Biomass for energy represents a great opportunity for the forest and forest industry sector. Results will, however, depend on our ability to cooperate within the sector, between public institutions, forest owners and forest industry. It is also necessary to involve other sectors in our policy work. We should make full use of the attention the society pay to the role of forests in this context.

Mr Chairman,

As a member of the General Coordinating Committee of the MCPFE, Norway has been actively involved in the preparation of the documents for the Warsaw Conference. I am very satisfied with the results, and stay ready to sign both the Warsaw Declaration and the two resolutions.

The decisions we make at this conference can in general terms be grouped into two categories. On the one hand, we commit ourselves to further improving forest management in Europe. On the other, we continue to strengthen the tie between the MCPFE and the global forest processes and express our readiness to contribute to the global forest policy dialogue.
Both aspects should form the basis for follow-up activities.

Norway will soon take over the chairmanship role of the MCPFE. We are fully aware of the responsibilities connected to this position. Norway looks forward to cooperating with all of you in the further development of this unique policy process. We should build on the specific character of the MCPFE and carry on the good traditions developed over the last 15-20 years. At the same time, we should continuously consider the future direction and accommodate to changing conditions. Only in that way we will be able to keep up the political momentum.

Thank you for your attention.