FoRISK holds first-ever meeting of National Focal Points to shape future action on forest risks
Yesterday, FoRISK reached an important milestone by holding its first online meeting of National Focal Points, bringing together official representatives from 28 signatory countries and the European Commission. This was the first time that the network’s designated national representatives met as a FoRISK community, marking a significant step in strengthening pan-European cooperation on forest risk management.
The meeting served two key objectives. First, it gave National Focal Points an opportunity to connect with each other and the FoRISK Secretariat, while gaining an overview of the programme’s governance framework, ongoing activities, and achievements since FoRISK was established in 2024. Second, and most importantly, it created a platform for countries to share their perspectives on the most pressing forest risks, current challenges, and future priorities.
A shared concern across Europe
While the specific challenges vary across regions, the discussion revealed strong common trends. Participants identified climate change and drought as the most significant drivers of risk affecting European forests today.
The exchange highlighted how forest risks are becoming increasingly interconnected. Countries shared examples of cascading effects, where drought weakens forests, increasing vulnerability to pests, diseases, and fires, while storms and other disturbances can create conditions for further damage.
At the same time, participants underlined that risks are not driven by climate factors alone. Land abandonment and changing land-use patterns were repeatedly identified as important contributors to increased vulnerability across many landscapes.
Challenges beyond science and technology
One of the most valuable outcomes of the meeting was the discussion around the gaps and challenges that countries are facing in addressing these risks.
Participants pointed to the need for stronger monitoring systems, improved early warning and preparedness mechanisms, better integration of scientific knowledge into practice, and enhanced collaboration across sectors and institutions. Several countries also highlighted the importance of raising public awareness and engaging forest owners, managers, practitioners, and local communities in adapting to new risk realities.
A recurring theme was the challenge of supporting decision-making under uncertainty. Forest managers and policymakers increasingly face difficult choices regarding forest restoration, species selection, resilience-building measures, and the management of forests affected by drought, storms, pests, or fire.
Looking ahead to 2027
The discussions also explored national priorities for the coming years. Countries emphasised the need to strengthen preparedness, improve monitoring and data collection, enhance forest resilience, support adaptive forest management, and address the growing complexity of multiple, overlapping risks.
These contributions will play an important role in informing the development of FoRISK’s future activities. Following the meeting, the Secretariat will prepare a summary of the discussions and key findings for consideration by the FoRISK Steering Committee.
Decisions on the programme’s priorities and work plan for 2027 will be taken by the Steering Committee in December, taking into account the broad range of inputs received and the strategic objectives of FoRISK.
Building a stronger network
Beyond the content-related discussions, the meeting demonstrated the value of creating a dedicated space for countries to exchange experiences, learn from each other, and identify opportunities for collaboration across Europe.
As forest risks continue to evolve in response to changing environmental, social, and economic conditions, strengthening cooperation and knowledge exchange among countries will remain a core part of FoRISK’s mission.
We would like to thank all National Focal Points and representatives who participated actively in the discussion and contributed their insights. We look forward to continuing this dialogue and working together to support more resilient forests across the pan-European region.