The forest-based bioeconomy in action: carbon removals, nature restoration and land use

This event will explore the role of the EU forest-based sector in advancing sustainable land use, forest resilience and biodiversity. Discussions will highlight how sustainably managed forests and forest-based value chains contribute to carbon removals, ecosystem restoration, resilient landscapes and a circular European economy.

Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and experts, the event will showcase practical solutions already implemented across Europe, alongside policy perspectives on strengthening the sector’s contribution to Europe’s environmental and climate goals.

Cepi and the Circular Choices Coalition aim to engage stakeholders on the needs and challenges of nature conservation within the EU bioeconomy, especially as climate change increasingly affects forests and ecosystems. The discussion will also examine how forests and forest-based value chains deliver carbon removals and support climate mitigation while ensuring healthy, resilient ecosystems.

In light of current EU policy developments, including the review of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the proposed Circular Economy Act, the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and the targets under the LULUCF Regulation, the event will explore how sustainable forest management and circular value chains can advance climate action, biodiversity protection and resilient land use across Europe.

By addressing these challenges collaboratively, the circular bioeconomy can enhance carbon sequestration, restore ecosystems, create quality jobs, foster sustainable growth and strengthen Europe’s resilience. Such engagement is essential to fully realise the potential of the forest-based bioeconomy for Europe’s climate, biodiversity and competitiveness objectives.

The event targets industry representatives, policymakers, media, academia and organisations active in the bioeconomy. Speakers include company representatives, the European Commission, the Cepi Chairman and a representative of the Cyprus EU Council Presidency (TBC).

The programme features an opening keynote, dynamic ‘Bioeconomy talks’ where companies present positive cases in a TED-style format, followed by a panel discussion and a final ‘Meet the experts’ Q&A session.