The service brings together key comparable information on forest use, economic significance, and ecological impacts across European countries. Its aim is to provide a reliable and easy-to-understand knowledge base for public discussion and decision-making. As forest-related debates become increasingly international, finding comparable information from different countries has often been challenging.

“Demands placed on forests are growing around the world. At the same time, there is a need for a better shared understanding of what is happening in forests across different countries from the perspectives of production, climate, and biodiversity,” says Marko Mäki-Hakola, Director of Forestry at MTK.

A Unified View of Key Forest Indicators

The service compiles essential forest indicators ranging from ownership structures and harvesting levels to biodiversity and the economic importance of forests.

The data is based on the recently published State of Europe’s Forests report and has been organized into a consistent and easily comparable format. In addition to ready-made highlights, users can explore a statistical database built through data interfaces and browse information according to their own interests. Forest Europe is a cooperative process involving the governments of more than 40 European countries, which jointly agree on principles for the sustainable management and use of forests.

Broadening the Perspective in Forest Discussions

Public discussion about forests often focuses on individual themes. The goal of the new service is to bring greater transparency and a more comprehensive perspective to the debate.

“The use of forests always involves choices and trade-offs. That is why it is important to consider economic, social, and environmental impacts simultaneously rather than focusing on only one dimension,” Mäki-Hakola emphasizes.

A Tool for Decision-Making and Communication

The service is intended especially for policymakers, the media, forestry professionals, and anyone interested in forest-related topics.

“The service also supports communication by the Finnish forest sector in the international operating environment by making up-to-date Europe-wide forest statistics accessible to everyone,” says Martta Fredrikson, CEO of the Finnish Forest Foundation.

Links

• Europeanforestdata.fi
• Forest.fi statistics portal