Trends in Forestry Legislation: Western Europe

Abstract

In many countries of Western Europe forest laws have long histories, and have been subject to revision and amendment in light of new social, economic and environmental demands. As a result, there is a great variety of times of adoption, structures and contents in the principal forestry legislation as applicable at present. Nevertheless, a review of this body of legislation reveals certain overall trends and insights as to the evolutionary direction of forest law in the region. Generally, the c ontent of most laws has become multi-purpose oriented and refers in particular to sustainable forest management, public participation, private forestry, Government support to forestry, integration of forestry and related activities, and protection against fires and the adverse effects from natural calamities.This contribution reviews the present situation of forestry legislation in Western European countries, examines important issues regulated in forest laws, discusses briefly the role of Europ ean Community legislation, and identifies significant trends in recent laws addressing forest conservation and sustainable forest management. The list of legislative texts which have been reviewed is included at the end. It is followed by a bibliography containing references on general developments in the region as well as country specific references.