As part of its Forest Strategy for 2030 and the Biodiversity Strategy, the EU has committed to a voluntary goal of planting 3 billion additional trees. The objectives of this pledge are to expand forested areas in the EU, enhance forest resilience, reverse biodiversity loss, and mitigate and adapt to climate change. This commitment is a key element of the EU Green Deal’s Biodiversity Strategy, which aims to restore nature through specific targets. The Green Deal states: “In addition to protecting primary and old-growth forests in the EU, the EU should increase the quantity, quality, and resilience of its forests.”

Supporting the European Commission in implementation

The EU-funded project “Support for Implementing the 3 Billion Trees Pledge”, led by Milieu and conducted in collaboration with the Ecologic Institute and Stritih, assists the European Commission in identifying relevant tree-planting initiatives that can be counted towards the 3-billion-tree target. It also engages key stakeholders in the initiative, provides guidance on available funding instruments, and analyses challenges faced by stakeholders in implementing tree-planting projects across the EU.

Contributions to climate, biodiversity and society

The project aims to generate positive effects on climate mitigation and adaptation while contributing to biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the tree-planting initiative will benefit the economy, create jobs, and improve public health. To maximise benefits for climate and biodiversity, the European Commission has published guidelines on afforestation, reforestation, and available funding opportunities.