Forest-based industries call for recognition of their role in mitigating climate change

Brussels, Belgium, November 25, 2008

 Over 200 participants from the forest-based industries in Europe met in Brussels to discuss the role of the forest-based sector in mitigating climate change. The seminar ‘From forest management to wood products and paper: The unique link against climate change’ organised by the three European trade associations representing the industry: CEI-Bois (the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries), CEPF (the Confederation of European private Forest Owners) and CEPI (the Confederation of European Paper Industries) concluded with the signature of a message from the industry to the UN Forum of the Climate Change ConventionCOP14 meeting to be held in Poznan in December.

The seminar provided a high-level platform for discussion and key note addresses were given by Frieda Brepoels MEP; Martijn Quinn, Member of Commissioner Dimas’ Cabinet; Marie-Laurence Madignier from the Ministry of Agriculture, France representing the current EU Presidency and Wulf Killman from FAO.

These presentations and the conclusions of the ICCP 4th Assessment Report, which stated that sustainable forest management is the key to climate change mitigation, were used to debate a common position for the industry and a clear message drafted showing that the contribution of the pulp and paper industry as being part of the solution when it comes to combating climate change must be recognised and that the increasing competition for wood must not be allowed to result in a negative impact on the competitiveness of the sector in Europe.

This message was signed on behalf of the industry by Christer Segersteen, President of CEPF, Mikael Eliasson, Chairman of CEI-Bois and Magnus Hall, Chairman of CEPI and will be transmitted by the industry to the COP14 meeting.

For more information please contact:

Martyn Griffiths, Communication & Public Affairs Director – CEPI

m.griffiths@cepi.org, +32 2 627 49 26

Filip De Jaeger, Secretary General – CEI Bois

filip.de.jaeger@cei-bois.org, +32 2 556 25 85

Morten Thorøe, Secretary General – CEPF

morten.thoroe@cepf-eu.org, +32 2 239 23 05