It is true that the forest grows freely. To meet human needs (timber, nature, walks, etc.), foresters observe the forest and gently adjust their interventions.
If the forest doesn't need us, we, on the other hand, we need herWhether it is to welcome our walks or our jogging, shelter treasures of nature, provide wood, store carbon or even purify the air, the forest proves to be generous. It is therefore essential to look after it so that we can continue to benefit from its essential services whilst safeguarding its long-term viability. This is the key role of the forest managementensure the necessary interventions to meet today's and tomorrow's needs.
Is sustainable consumption possible?
Sustainable forest management respects nature and walkers, while guaranteeing the longevity of the forest. Everyone can encourage this by choosing items made from certified forests (for example, PEFC and FSC).
The PEFC label, affixed to a wood or wood-based product, guarantees consumers that the product they are buying comes from sustainably managed forests and responsible sources. Through their purchase, they contribute to the sustainable forest management. In Wallonia, more than 50% of woodland is PEFC-certified, comprising both public and private forests (just over 400 certified private owners).
Good to know
Faced with the climate challenge, forest management is also evolving to promote practices that favour the resilience of forests in all their multi-functionality (environmental, productive and socio-cultural). With this in mind, RFSB has developed a tool designed to help foresters envisage the forest of the future: the mosaic forest (link to be inserted). This tool relies on a key element of forest resilience: biodiversity, in all its dimensions.
To go further
- PEFC RFSB
- PEFC Belgium
- Mosaic forest
- https://be.fsc.org/be-fr
- https://fibowa.be/ (to become aware of the multiplicity of managers and the issues at stake).