15.6.89 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 165/3 COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No 1610/89 of 29 May 1989 laying down provisions for implementing Regulation (EEC) No 4256 /88 as regards the scheme to develop and optimally utilize woodlands in rural areas in the Community THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 43 thereof, . Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the opimion of the European Parliament (2), Having regard to the .opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), Whereas, pursuant to Article 39 (2) (a) of the Treaty, the social structure of agriculture and the structural and natural disparities between the various agricultural regions of the Community have to be taken into account in working out the - common agricultural policy; ' Whereas, in order to achieve the common agricultural policy objectives referred to in: Article 39 (1) (a) and (b) of the Treaty, special measures should be taken at Community level, suited to the situation of the regions whose development is lagging behind or rural areas which meet the criteria laid down in Article 4 of Council Regulation (EEC) No.4253/88 of 19 December 1988 laying down provisions - for implementing Regulation {EEC) No 2052/88 as regards coordination of the activities of the different Structural Funds between themselves and with the operations of the European Investment Bank and---the other existing financial instruments (*); - . Whereas to that end Article 5 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4256788 of 19 December 1988 laying down provisions for implementing Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 as regards the EAGGF Guidance Section (). provides for a series of specific measures for those regions or areas, including a scheme for the development and exploitation of woodland; Whereas the same provision stipulates that the Council shall lay down the conditions and criteria for implementation of that scheme; Whereas, given the serious crisis which agriculture is undergoing, forestry and related activities can contribute to () OJ No C 312,7.12.1988, p. 7. (2) Opinion delivered on 26 May 1989 (not yet published in the Official Journal), (*) O] No C 139, 5. 6. 1989, p. 15. () O] No L 374, 31. 12. 1988, p. 1. (*) OJ No L 374, 31. 12. 1988, p. 25. the diversification of the activities of persons employed in agriculture, to better use of manpower in agriculture -and thus to the creation of alternative sources of income; Whereas forestry schemes can at the same time contribute to the conservation and improvement of the soil, fauna, flora and water resources and encourage the development of forest ecosystems which are favourable to agriculture; Whereas certain areas of the Community are in a'particularly . unfivourable situation with regard to erosion, the- water-holding capacity of the soil and fire risks; . Whereds measures should be laid down which could increase the contribution of woodland to the above aims, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 The -Community’s financial contribution towards the scheme referred to in the 10th indent of Article 5 of Regulation (EEC) No 4256788 may cover measures related to: — the creation and improvement of nurseries necessary for - the implementation of an operational programme providing for forestry measures, — afforestation and the improvement of woodland, with a view to improving the agricultural situation in a given area, in particular through soil and water conservation — the extension and restoration of woodlands in areas at risk from soil erosion and flooding, and especially in catchment areas above the latter, — the reconstitution of woodland damaged by fires or other natural causes, — related work such as first thinning, the building of forest roads, and the rationalization of woodland, — protection measures against forést fires, but not measures receiving aid under Council Regulation (EEC) No 3529/86 of 17 November 1986 on protection of the Community’s forests against fire (), (¢) OJ No L 326, 31. 11. 1986, p. 5.