The overall objective of the meeting was to provide a platform for REAWG members to share national updates, align methodologies, and agree on the next steps necessary for the successful delivery of the project’s regional goals. This meeting continues the structured dialogue among regional stakeholders that was initiated in previous sessions, emphasizing collaborative planning and evidence-based policy formulation. The REAWG on Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) plays a vital role in advancing regional priorities under the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, particularly concerning forest adaptation and resilience in the face of intensifying climate pressures.
The 6th Interim Meeting of the Regional Expert Advisory Working Group (REAWG) on Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) was convened online on 28th of April 2025. The meeting brought together National and Regional experts, SWG staff, and international partners to review the progress of climate-related forest assessments, exchange findings, and coordinate upcoming deliverables under the framework of the Agricultural Policy Dialogue Germany – South East Europe and Climate Change Adaptation project Germany – Western Balkans.
Mr. Torsten Möllmann from Hessen Forst expressed his satisfaction with the study visit organized from February 18–21, 2025. He was very impressed by the functioning of the forestry sector in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia where the filed visits were conducted. In particular, he noted the effectiveness of Forest Management Planning and the overall organization of work. During a visit to forests in the Republic of Srpska, he observed trees marked with QR-coded stamps, allowing the traceability of timber and demonstrating sound forest management practices. He also visited Universities of Forestry in Sarajevo and Banja Luka, institutions that adhere to EU standards. While the educational system is aligned with these standards, he emphasized the need to strengthen practical forest work skills, as there is a noticeable gap in field-level knowledge, which can have significant consequences. He suggested this as a potential area for future work.
Upcoming Study visit in Hessen, Germany will be conducted from 22-26th June, 2025 focusing on implementation of EU policy in HessenForst and how the Hessen region introduce biodiversity and climate change in their forestry management. In that spirit the HessenForst and IAK started creating the programme.
Mr. Nenad Petrović, Regional Expert presented timeline and what needs to be done in the upcoming period.
