Forests and sustainable forest management

Forests are amongst the most important ecosystems on our planet. Forests cover an area of around four billion hectares – or almost 30 % of the global land area. Forest ecosystems provide various and invaluable services. They are instrumental in the production of oxygen and thus in retaining the atmosphere. The bonding of carbon in wood makes an important contribution to climate protection. Forests are home to a large part of our global biodiversity and provide numerous protective functions for soil and water.

The use and management of forests is one of the world's most important land usage systems and has numerous positive effects. Because in most industrialised nations, regulated forest management takes the form of either sustainable forestry or industrial plantation management. The concept of sustainable forestry originates from Europe, it was first employed almost 300 years ago in Germany.

The original core principle was not to use more timber than could be grown in the long run. Forest management in Germany has long been carried out according to a broader understanding of sustainability that includes, for example, the retention and protection of the ecosystem and its biodiversity, an efficient management of a variety of timber products and forest-related services as well as the safeguarding of comprehensive social services .

Germany, a country with a long tradition of forests and timber. Not just the internationally famous "Black Forest" is close to people's hearts. Almost one third of Germany, or 11.1 million hectares, is covered by forests. Germany has the biggest timber reserves in Europe with 3.4 billion m³. Around 120 mn. m³ grow again each year, but only around 64 mn. m³ is used – the sustainability principle is thus observed and still leaves room for the industry's growth.

More than 70 species of trees can be found in German forests, the most important species of timber trees are spruce, pine, beech and oak.

Spruce

Pine

Beech

Oak

The seal of approval from international certification systems such as PEFC or FSC confirm the very high quality of forest management in Germany.