Social Forestry Applications in Europe

Abstract

Europe is the home of traditional, or sustained yield forestry. In many cases, this practice of forestry still works very well for Europe’s forests, in some countries more than others. However, it is also in Europe where some of strongest integration of social and environmental concerns is included in evaluating the economic value of forests. Social forestry, as it is often understood in developing countries is still quite rare in Europe. Some features of social forestry though, are being found in the issues faced by European foresters. Examples of four European countries and the manifestations of social forestry are presented. These examples include Germany, where the meaning of forest sustainability is being expanded to a large extent because of public demand. A second example is in Spain, where the conflict of interests between forestry and agriculture mirrors that of some non-European countries. A third example is that of the UK, where forestry has ceased to be geared solely on timber production. At the same time, UK forests are being appreciated more for their other utilities. The final example is that of Finland, where the berry and mushroom industry, long considered as very minor forest products, is undergoing growing pains.