Forest ecosystems
The Federal Action Plan on Nature-based Solutions for Climate and Biodiversity (ANK) envisages expanding forested areas in Germany, and especially near-natural, climate-stable mixed deciduous forests. The Centre of Competence for Nature-based Climate Action (KNK) is providing support to stakeholders engaging with this area.
Forests are capable of absorbing large quantities of atmospheric carbon and storing it in plant matter and soil: they offer habitats for many animal and plant species while having a positive influence on the climate. Around a third of the national territory of Germany is covered by forests – amounting to around 11.5 million hectares.
The state of play for forests in Germany
The annual forest condition survey provides an overview of the state of forests in Germany. According to the publisher, the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, only a fifth of trees inspected in 2022 exhibited no damage to their canopy. Extreme weather such as aridity, heat and storms pose a serious threat to forests in Germany. The resulting drought and rapid proliferation of insect pests is resulting in severe stress to forested areas, and – in some cases extensive – tree die-off. Spruce is particularly affected, which has been extensively cultivated in Germany although it is not native to many parts of the country.
What action can be taken to strengthen forests?
Measures to strengthen forests in Germany against climate change include transforming non-natural plantations of conifers into near-natural, climate-resilient mixed deciduous forests, restoring climate-resilient, near-natural forests on damaged areas, creating greater structural diversity and biodiversity through financial incentives, and conserving old, near-natural beech forests, among other actions. The Centre of Competence for Nature-based Climate Action provides information and advice about specific funding options.
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Funding calls in the field of action
Climate-adapted forest management | closed
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The Federal Government is using funds from the Federal Action Plan on Nature-based Solutions to support the conservation, development and management of forests adapted to climate change.
On behalf of:
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