Balancing Biodiversity and Bioeconomy: Can Europe's Forests Do Both?

The European Union (EU) has set a bold and ambitious target to halt and reverse biodiversity loss through its Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (EUBDS). The plan calls for protecting 30% of EU land, including 10% under strict protection and 20% managed through “closer-to-nature” forestry practices. While this strategy is critical for safeguarding Europe’s rich biodiversity, it raises a key question: how will it affect the EU’s wood-based bioeconomy, which is essential for substituting fossil-based products with renewable materials?