October 2012: A new UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)/Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) Green Economy Policy Brief summarises the views and recommendations of the various stakeholders that participated in a policy debate held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 8 May 2012.

Organized by the UNECE/FAO Forestry & Timber Section, the debate aimed to provide policymakers in the region with views from a wide range of concerned sectors to address the economic, environmental and social aspects of the growing demand for and use of wood for energy. Participants concluded that the complexity of wood energy markets requires the adoption of comprehensive policies that addresses economic, environmental and social dimensions, including the uniform adoption of rules and regulations for all types of wood. Some of the principles agreed include: the development and implementation of public policy tools calling for input from all stakeholders directly, indirectly or potentially affected by the growing use of wood for energy; and a public policy affecting the wood energy sector that is uniform, flexible to adapt to scientific progress and shifts in market dynamics and clear in establishing incremental renewable energy targets that allow compliance by market participants.

Participants recommended that policymakers should: prioritize local and regional procurement of wood for energy over exports and imports; and define clear targets beyond 2020 and the role of wood energy in meeting expected demands and compliance with emission trading schemes. [Publication: UNECE/FAO Green Economy Policy Brief]