A Governance Structure for a European Forest Monitoring System - A Federated System with a Centralized Component - PathFinder Policy Brief 12/2024

The proposed governance structure for a European Forest Monitoring System (EFMS) adopts a
stepwise, bottom-up approach, leveraging existing national-level data collection efforts and
standardising information at the European level.
Key actors in this structure include the European Commission, European Environment Agency
(EEA), Member States, European National Forest Inventory Network (ENFIN), and ICP Forest (ICPF).
ENFIN and ICPF, both serving as expert groups, offer distinct areas of monitoring focus; ENFIN
concentrates on forest structure, land use, and biodiversity, whereas ICPF targets forest health and
vitality. Additionally, both groups provide expertise on monitoring forest soils. Each of these actors
plays a critical role in ensuring the collection, analysis, and dissemination of high-quality forest
data. Consequently, this collaborative effort ensures the monitoring system's capacity to support
evidence-based policymaking and contribute to the resilience and sustainability of European
forests.