PEFC's importance was highlighted at the 7th Forest Europe Ministerial Conference as Belgian Walloon Minister for Forests and Tourism René Collin reiterated the value of PEFC certification.

"My goal is to further strengthen sustainable forest management by ensuring the recognition of its multifunctional nature: economic, environmental and social," said Mr. Collin. "In Wallonia, more than 53% of forest areas are PEFC certified, the proportion being 98% for public forests."

"This PEFC processes in Wallonia allow to improve forest practices of the owners, but is also a place for collective learning. It also led groups with sometimes divergent interests to collaborate and better communicate, which is a prerequisite for sustainable management."

PEFC was also present at the Ministerial Conference, calling for a strengthened FOREST EUROPE to respond to challenges and contribute to sustainable forest management in Europe and beyond.

The Ministerial Conference for the Protection of Forests in Europe, which took place in October, brought together high-level representatives to discuss issues of the highest relevance regarding current challenges for European forests and the forest sector.(pefc)