Forests offer essential services like carbon sequestration, biodiversity support, water regulation and timber for commercial activities/production. However, the future sustainability of such services is increasingly under threat. Based on the habitats assessments reported under the Habitats Directive updated in 2023, forestry presents the highest proportion of habitats being affected by one or more pressures/threats from a series of (not only) climate related categories.
This policy brief synthesises findings from the recent OptFor-EU report, highlighting threats and challenges in achieving forest-based carbon removal across eight European case study areas. The consortium conducted an extensive expert survey (a total of 168 responses) plus an inaugural series of stakeholder workshops in each area, between July and December 2023.
Leveraging on these activities, stakeholder feedback is used to inform the recommendations for harmonising forest management practices with European climate mitigation objectives. According to OptFor-EU’s recent outcomes, the project results in various benefits beyond climate change mitigation, leveraging an advanced Decision Support System for science-based forest ecosystem services optimisation.
The project is dedicated to support the broader Biodiversity strategy for 2030 and European Green Deal frameworks, including carbon neutrality and ecosystem restoration.
