9 
 
climate change, the effects of erosion and losses of soil organic carbon are becoming 
increasingly apparent. Desertification is also a growing threat in the EU35. 
It is therefore essential to step up efforts to protect soil fertility, reduce soil erosion and 
increase soil organic matter . This should be done by adopting sustainable soil 
management practices, including as part of the CAP. Significant progress is also needed 
on identifying contaminated soil sites, restoring degraded soils, defining the conditions 
for their good ecological status, introducing restoration objectives, and improving the 
monitoring of soil quality.   
To address these issues in a comprehensive way and help to fulfil EU and international 
commitments on land -degradation neutrality, t he Commission will update the  EU Soil 
Thematic Strategy36 in 2021. The Zero Pollution Action Plan for Air, Water and Soil 
that the Commission will adopt in 2021 will also look at these issues. Soil sealing and 
rehabilitation of contaminated brownfields will be addressed in the upcoming Strategy 
for a Sustainable Built Environment. A mission in the area of soil health and food 
under Horizon Europe 37 will aim to develop solutions for restoring soil health and 
functions. 
2.2.4. Increasing the quantity of forests and improving their health and 
resilience 
Forests are hugely important for biodiversity, climate and water regulation, the provision 
of food, medicines and materials, carbon sequestration and storage, soil stabi lisation and 
the purification of air and water. They are also a natural home for recreation and learning 
about nature. Foresters have a key role to play in ensuring sustainable forest management 
and in restoring and sustaining biodiversity in forests. 
In addition to strictly protecting all remaining EU primary and old -growth forests, the 
EU must increase the quantity, quality and resilience of its forests , notably against 
fires, droughts, pests, diseases and other threats likely to increase with climate  change. 
To retain their function for both biodiversity and climate, all forests need to be preserved 
in good health. More resilient forests can support a more resilient economy. They  also 
play an important role in providing materials, products and service s, which are key for 
the circular bio-economy. 
To make this happen, the Commission will propose a dedicated EU Forest Strategy  in 
2021 in line with our wider biodiversity and climate neutrality ambitions. It will include 
a roadmap for planting at least 3 b illion additional trees in the EU by 2030 , in full 
respect of ecological principles . This will create substantial job opportunities linked to 
the collecting and cultivating of seeds, planting seedlings, and ensuring their 
development. Tree planting is part icularly beneficial in cities, while in rural areas it can 
work well with agroforestry, landscape features and increased carbon sequestration. At 
the same time, the Commission will continue to work with Member States to ensure that 
the EU is sufficiently e quipped to prevent and respond to major forest fires, which can 
inflict significant damages on forest biodiversity. 
                                                 
35  European Court of Auditors (2018), Combating desertification in the EU : a growing threat in need of 
more action, Special Report n°33/2018. 
36  Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection (COM(2006) 231). 
37  Horizon Europe mission area on soil health and food.