Greece-France Collaboration for Forest Management

Yesterday, a framework agreement in the field of forestry was signed between Greece and France. Greek Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastathopoulos, and French Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, Sea, and Fisheries, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, formalized their commitment during the European Union Energy Ministers’ Council meeting in Luxembourg. According to an official statement, both parties are committed to introducing technology and innovation in forest management. The collaboration will also include best practices regarding the use of satellite data for forest protection and methods for collecting and utilizing biomass from agricultural crops near forest areas. The agreement focuses on regions in Epirus, Western Macedonia, and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. This cooperation takes into account the expertise of each party and the similarities or correspondences of the forest ecosystems. The authorities of both countries aim to transfer technology and innovation concerning forest management and the exploitation of wood products. In a joint statement, the ministers emphasized: ‘Protecting the environment, especially our forests, is a collective issue requiring international cooperation, exchange of knowledge, and best practices. Greece and France, as friendly nations, will collaborate to ensure that this agreement becomes a catalyst for closer cooperation aimed at better protecting our natural resources, forests, and biodiversity, particularly in areas with shared characteristics where we can leverage the experience of our countries.’