Strengthening Forestry Advisory Systems for the Future of Europe’s Forests
This article is based on an opinion piece originally published in the Portuguese series “Crónicas Rurais”, a column dedicated to topics related to rural development and the rural sector. The original article was authored by Susana Brígido, Forest Engineer. The content has been adapted for publication on the FORADVISE website due to its relevance to forestry advisory services, forest resilience, and the development of Forest Knowledge and Innovation Systems (FOKIS) across Europe.
Original publication: https://sapo.pt/artigo/quem-te-advisory-teu-amigo-e-69f8f8fccf081dc79019face
As climate change continues to reshape forest ecosystems across Europe, the need for accessible, reliable, and long-term forestry advisory services has never been greater. Forest owners and managers are increasingly confronted with challenges such as droughts, pests, storms, biodiversity loss, and the growing threat of large-scale forest fires. Addressing these challenges requires more than financial support—it requires knowledge, expertise, and continuous guidance.
A recent perspective from Portugal highlights the importance of investing in strong forestry advisory systems that can help forest owners make informed decisions and implement sustainable management practices. The discussion is particularly relevant in countries where a significant proportion of forest land is privately owned and where owners often depend on external technical support to manage their forests effectively.
Advisory Services as a Cornerstone of Forest Resilience
cross Europe, forestry advisory services play a key role in connecting research, innovation, policy, and practical forest management. Whether delivered through public agencies, forest owner associations, cooperatives, or public-private partnerships, advisory systems help ensure that forest owners have access to up-to-date knowledge and technical expertise.
Different European countries have developed different approaches:
- Public forestry agencies provide advisory support in countries such as Sweden and France.
- Integrated agricultural and forestry advisory systems operate in countries such as Ireland.
- Forest owner associations and cooperative networks play a major role in countries such as Austria, Finland, and Norway.
Although the structures vary, successful systems share common characteristics: credibility, proximity to forest owners, continuity of support, and strong connections with innovation and research.
The Importance of Long-Term Investment
The Portuguese experience demonstrates that financial resources alone are not sufficient to build an effective advisory system. While significant public investments have been directed towards forest management, prevention measures, and landscape restoration over the years, long-term advisory structures have often remained fragmented or project-based.
Without continuous support mechanisms, many forest owners face difficulties accessing the technical guidance needed to implement sustainable forest management practices, adapt to climate change, and participate in innovation initiatives.
Developing robust advisory services requires
- Long-term funding mechanisms;
- Well-trained forestry advisors;
- Effective monitoring and evaluation systems;
- Strong cooperation between public authorities, forest owner organisations, research institutions, and practitioners;
- Incentives that encourage forest owners to seek professional advice.
The Role of FORADVISE
These challenges directly relate to the objectives of the FORADVISE project. Through the development of national networks, thematic working groups, and stakeholder engagement activities, FORADVISE aims to strengthen Forest Knowledge and Innovation Systems (FOKIS) across Europe.
The project recognises that effective advisory services are essential for supporting sustainable forest management, increasing resilience to climate change, accelerating innovation uptake, and improving knowledge exchange between researchers, advisors, policymakers, and forest owners.
FORADVISE seeks to identify existing strengths and gaps within national advisory systems, promote the exchange of good practices between countries, and contribute to the development of more connected and effective advisory structures throughout Europe.
Looking Ahead
There is no single model that can be applied to every country. Forestry sectors differ significantly across Europe in terms of ownership structures, governance systems, ecological conditions, and management traditions.
However, successful experiences across Europe demonstrate that effective advisory systems are built on trust, accessibility, continuity, and collaboration. As climate and environmental challenges continue to intensify, strengthening forestry advisory services will be essential for supporting forest owners and ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of Europe’s forests.
The discussions taking place across Europe, including those highlighted by Portuguese forestry professionals, reinforce the importance of placing advisory services at the centre of future forest policies and innovation strategies.
