European Forest Types. Categories and types for sustainable forest management reporting and policy

European Forest Types and Forest Europe SFM indicators: Tools for monitoring progress on forest biodiversity conservation

Unified lists of forest types of Ukraine are elucidated in the monograph, as well as their diagnostic features. The book also contains information concerning correspondence of forest types of Ukraine developed according with forest-ecological classification with units of forest types classification developed by FАО for European countries presented in «European Forest Types – categories and types for sustainable management reporting and policy» (Technical Report (No 9/2006), and also with units of EUNIS Habitat Classification. For corresponding forest types of Ukraine, rare habitats are provided, listed in Annex I of the Habitat Directive and Resolution 4 of Bern Convention, which demand protection, especially in the objects of Emerald Network and at the territories and objects of natural reserved fund of Ukraine. Harmonized system of syntaxa of Ukrainian forest-ecological and European classifications of forest types allows to give necessary information concerning forests to the international reporting, determines geografhic and ecological borders of application of certain systems of forest management, creates an objective basis for international experience exchange and coordination of scientific research. It can be used both in the forest management and addressing important issues in the field of nature conservation and rational environmental management. In total, 78 forest types were distinguished for the plain conditions of Ukraine (except the floodplain ones), 27 types for floodplain conditions, 78 types for Ukrainian Carpathians, and 97 types for Mountain Crimea. Monograph is intended for specialists in the field of forestry, ecology, biology and environmental protection.

<p>Forests provide essential economic, social, cultural and environmental services. To be able to maintain the provision of these services, sustainable forest management (SFM) is a vital obligation. The maintenance of biodiversity, ranging from gene to ecosystem levels, is essential for functions and associated services, and it is one of the most important criterion for assessing sustainability in the Pan-European region. <br>Currently, the majority of SFM Criteria and Indicators focuses on attributes relative to tree species or to the whole forest. With reference to biodiversity conservation, this means that the collected information cannot fully assess whether forests are being managed sustainably. To understand the drivers of forest biodiversity and drive sustainable management, several taxonomic groups should be investigated, since they may respond differently to the same environmental pressures. However, up to now, broad multi-taxonomic analyses were mainly performed through reviews and meta-analyses which limit our holistic understanding on the effects of forest management on different facets of biodiversity. Recently, several research institutions took up the challenge of multi-taxonomic field sampling. These local efforts, however, have limited extrapolation power to infer trends at the European scale. It is high time to share, standardize and use existing multi-taxon data through a common platform to inform sound management and political decisions. Biodiversity indicators have also some potential to be used in evaluation of impact of forest management on soils and surface waters in terms of naturalness, degradation and reclamation.<br>We present the COST Action CA18207 “Biodiversity of Temperate forest Taxa Orienting Management Sustainability by Unifying Perspectives” (Bottoms-Up). It will gather the most comprehensive knowledge of European multitaxonomic forest biodiversity through the synergy of research groups that collected data locally in more than 2200 sampling units across approximately 300 sites covering nine different European forest types. For each sampling unit, information will be available on at least three taxonomic groups (vascular plants, fungi, lichens, birds and saproxylic beetles being the most represented) and on live stand structure and deadwood. Multi-taxon biodiversity will be associated with: (i) information on forest management based on observational studies at the coarse scale, and (ii) structural data deriving from forest manipulation experiments at the fine scale. </p><p>Specific objectives are:<br>• Developing a standardized platform of multi-taxon data;<br>• Establishing a network of forest sites with baseline information for future monitoring;<br>• Designing shared protocols for multi-taxon sampling;<br>• Assessing the relationships between multi-taxon biodiversity, structure and management;<br>• Creating a coordinated network of forest manipulation experiments;<br>• Evaluating indicators and thresholds of sustainability directly tested on biodiversity;<br>• Developing management guidelines defining sustainable management to be applied in forest certification and within protected areas.</p><p>The Action involves about 80 researchers and stakeholders from 29 countries and represents an outstanding opportunity to develop a strong network of collaboration for standardized broad-scale multitaxon studies in Europe.</p><p>Keywords:  Multi-taxon, Pan-European region, Sustainable Forest Management. </p><p> </p>

Forest types are key factors to consider when monitoring forests, particularly in consideration of  the increasing need to assess how climate change is affecting different forests in Europe and beyond. A comprehensive classification system is indeed essential for understanding the diverse forest ecosystems, tracking their changes over time and across various spatial and geographical scales. Moreover, it provides valuable insights on the baseline conditions and current states of forest ecosystems, aiding in decision-making for conservation and resource management.  A "forest type classification scheme" aims to break down extensive forested areas, like stocked forest land, into smaller, more similar units. This breakdown helps streamline the analysis, interpretation, and communication of forest-related data. In Europe, the European Forest Types (EFT) classification system has demonstrated its effectiveness and user-friendliness in facilitating the comprehension, interpretation, and dissemination of data regarding indicators that depict the conditions and changes within European forests, as well as forest management practices. The EFT, could support a standardised reporting of several forest area related indicators. This includes assessments of biodiversity, organised into ecologically similar groups across the entire European region. However, until now, there was no EFTs map available for Europe.  To produce the map, a comprehensive analysis of relevant spatial datasets available at the European scale, essential for mapping, was first carried out.  Based on the variety of the datasets available, the JRC dataset featuring a comprehensive 39 forest tree species "relative probability of presence (RPP) maps”, was used along with eight different forest masks developed to identify environmental diversity, to accurately identify the different EFT categories. The RPP maps and the forest masks were used as inputs in a rule-based expert system algorithm to identify the 14 EFT categories and provide a thorough explanation for the classification of the EFT categories. The raster map created at a scale of 100 metres enabled the production of the first consistent EFTs maps across Europe and marked a significant advancement, providing a systematic means of classifying forest areas into EFTs, filling a critical gap in the spatial monitoring and reporting of forest indicators in the context of international frameworks. Moreover, existing EFTs maps can effectively be used as a basis for forest monitoring and support for decision-making, including forest-based adaptation and mitigation needs. This study was funded by the Horizon Europe Project OptFor-EU (Grant agreement n°101060554).

Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) indicators consider the main ecological and socioeconomic functions of forests but do not currently include some key groups widely adopted to assess the effects of forest management, such as herbaceous vascular plants, epiphytic lichens, and wood-decay fungi. Moreover, they are shaped into high forests while in the Mediterranean area the oldest type of forest management is coppice. We investigated the diversity and the relationships of the above-mentioned groups of taxa in three European Forest Types (EFTs) to contribute to the selection of indicator species suitable for monitoring Mediterranean coppice forests. We find only a weak cross-taxon congruence between vascular plants and lichens on considering the whole dataset, while no significant correlations are evident within the three EFTs. Species richness was significantly different among EFTs, being Thermophilous deciduous forests the richest, both considering the groups of taxa separately and the total species richness. As for species composition, significant differences were found both for the whole dataset and also for pairwise comparisons among EFTs. We provided a dwelling-species list of the three key groups of taxa, which could be suitable for monitoring the sustainability characteristics of fragmented and low continuity forests such as coppice stands.

Sustainable forest management (SFM) is presently widely accepted as the overriding objective for forest policy and practice. Regional processes are in progress all over the world to develop and implement criteria and indicators of SFM. In continental Europe, a set of 35 Pan-European indicators has been endorsed under the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE) to measure progress towards SFM in the 44 countries of the region. The formulation of seven indicators (forest area, growing stock, age structure/diameter distribution, deadwood, tree species composition, damaging agents, naturalness) requires national data to be reported by forest types. Within the vast European forest area the values taken by these indicators show a considerable range of variation, due to variable natural conditions and anthropogenic influences. Given this variability, it is very difficult to grasp the meaning of these indicators when taken out of their ecological background. The paper discusses the concepts behind, and the requirements of, a classification more soundly ecologically framed and suitable for MCPFE reporting than the three (un-informative) classes adopted so far: broadleaved forest, coniferous forest, mixed broadleaved and coniferous forest. We propose a European Forest Types scheme structured into a reasonably higher number of classes, that would improve the specificity of the indicators reported under the MCPFE process and its understanding.

The article describes the approaches and features of classification of forests, habitats and vegetation at the Pan-European level on the example of the classification of European forest types (EFT), the EUNIS habitat classification and the Europe vegetation classification created by the phytosociologists of the European Vegetation Survey (EVS). The forest type in the EFT classification is a large forest vegetation unit distinguished within biogeographic regions by the similarity of forest site conditions, structure and productivity of the plantation, and the degree of anthropogenic transformation of forests. Accounting for the successional dynamics of forest biogeocoenosis is worked out at the theoretical level, in practice, the accounting is possible due to the information obtained from the EUNIS habitat classification, which is linked to the EVS classification by cross-references. The EUNIS classification is a Pan-European reference set of habitat units. It was created using the results of previous large-scale studies in Europe, which resulted in the creation of a number of classifications of biotopes, soil cover and marine habitats. The EVS classification is a comprehensive hierarchical syntaxonomic system of unions, orders and classes of Brown-Blanquet syntaxonomy for vascular plants, mosses, lichens and algae native to Europe. The great advantage of the EFT classification is the inclusion of anthropogenic impacts among the key diagnostic features of a forest type, which are defined by assessing the degree of naturalness of forests, the number of forest species, the type and intensity of anthropogenic impacts. The strength of the EFT classification is to establish cross-links with other forest type classification systems used both within national forest inventory systems and at the EU level. The use of the Braun-Blanquet ecological and floristic approach implemented in the classification of phytosociological alliances makes it possible to conduct a detailed ecological analysis and taking into account not only the stand productivity, but also the level of stand biodiversity, which makes the classification more useful for scientific research and nature preservation.

The outcome of the present study leads to the application of a spatially explicit rule-based expert system (RBES) algorithm aimed at automatically classifying forest areas according to the European Forest Types (EFT) system of nomenclature at pan-European scale level. With the RBES, the EFT system of nomenclature can be now easily implemented for objective, replicable, and automatic classification of field plots for forest inventories or spatial units (pixels or polygons) for thematic mapping. Forest Types classification systems are aimed at stratifying forest habitats. Since 2006, a common scheme for classifying European forests into 14 categories and 78 types (European Forest Types, EFT) exists. This work presents an innovative method and automated classification system that, in an objective and replicable way, can accurately classify a given forest habitat according to the EFT system of nomenclature. A rule-based expert system (RBES) was adopted as a transparent approach after comparison with the well-known Random Forest (RF) classification system. The experiment was carried out based on the information acquired in the field in 2010 ICP level I plots in 17 European countries. The accuracy of the automated classification is evaluated by comparison with an independent classification of the ICP plots into EFT carried out during the BioSoil project field survey. Finally, the RBES automated classifier was tested also for a pixel-based classification of a pan-European distribution map of beech-dominated forests. The RBES successfully classified 94% of the plots, against a 92% obtained with RF. When applied to the mapped domain, the accuracy obtained with the RBES for the beech forest map classification was equal to 95%. The RBES algorithm successfully automatically classified field plots and map pixels on the basis of the EFT system of nomenclature. The EFT system of nomenclature can be now easily and objectively implemented in operative transnational European forest monitoring programs.

Forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change by acting as carbon sinks and offsetting anthropogenic CO2 emissions. However, their ability to sequester carbon is being threatened by factors such as increased demand for wood, natural disturbances, and forest maturity. To address these challenges, the OptFor-EU and ForestNavigator Horizon Europe projects aim to support sustainable forest management practices that enhance carbon sequestration, resilience, and ecosystem services (FES).The OptFor-EU project focuses on developing a Decision Support System (DSS) tailored to European forests. This system is co-designed with forest managers and stakeholders to provide scientifically-informed strategies for optimizing forest management practices (FMP) across various European forest types. The DSS integrates data from observations, remote sensing, and modeling to assess the current state and future projections of FES. It is tested in eight case study areas and designed to scale across Europe. Key objectives include: (i) Improving the characterization of FES, particularly carbon stocks and sinks, with a focus on old-growth forests; (ii) Enhancing models to simulate the impacts of FMP, socio-economic factors, and climate scenarios on forests and their services; (iii) Providing tools that empower stakeholders to implement sustainable FMP, fostering carbon sequestration and forest resilience.The ForestNavigator project complements these efforts by assessing the climate mitigation potential of European forests and forest-based sectors. It uses advanced modeling tools and near-real-time monitoring to evaluate the impacts of policy pathways on forest ecosystems and socioeconomic systems. The project aligns with the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) reporting standards and provides policy makers with actionable insights to guide forest policy and bioeconomy strategies. Its scope includes: (i) Zooming into selected EU Member States for detailed assessments while considering global drivers and leakage effects; (ii) Developing a Policy Modelling Toolbox to address climate change impacts and support climate action; (iii) Enhancing the alignment between EU and national climate goals.Together, these projects bridge robust science, strategic priorities, and stakeholder needs, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote the sustainable use of forest resources, and integrate ecological, economic, and societal values at the European scale. By leveraging innovative tools and fostering collaboration, OptFor-EU and ForestNavigator aim to transform forest management practices, ensuring that European forests continue to play a central role in achieving climate neutrality by 2050.This research received funds from the projects ‘OPTimising FORest management decisions for a low-carbon, climate resilient future in Europe (OptFor-EU)’, under Grant agreement ID: 101060554, and ‘Navigating European Forests and forest bioeconomy sustainably to EU climate neutrality (ForestNavigator)’, under Grant agreement ID: 101056875, funded by the European Union Horizon Europe Programme.

Testing an expanded set of sustainable forest management indicators in Mediterranean coppice area

A forest type (FT) generally describes a category of forest defined by its composition, and/or site-specific factors, and used in a system suitable to the situation at country level. The FTs are recognised to be a flexible approach to support the collection of data and organise forest indicators in a given area at different spatial scales, from country up to continental level. The ongoing climate change is associated with increased intensity, duration and spatial extent of climate extremes, which may exacerbate the impacts on many ecological systems and socio-economic sectors, including  forest ecosystems and forest management. This study explores the observed variability (1991-2020) and estimated changes (2021-2050) in the climate extremes that may occur over the European Forest Types (EFT), to provide a continental-scale perspective of the potential impact on forest ecosystems and provide decision support for forest management. Both temperature and precipitation CLIMPACT extremes indices relevant for forestry described and proposed by the Expert Team on Sector-Specific Climate Indices were computed using CERRA sub-daily regional reanalysis data for Europe. We use model outputs of climate change projections based on two Representative Concentration Pathways (i.e., RCP4.5, and RCP8.5). The climate information was analysed in combination with the 100 m resolution gridded EFT dataset produced within the Horizon Europe project OptFor-EU, ensuring consistency with similar studies at the European level. The results are detailed for case study areas situated in eight European countries (Norway, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Romania, Spain, and Italy). While all EFTs are subject to increasing temperatures extremes and precipitation intensities, we found clear regional differences. The continental coverage and the level of details provided by these results support both the development of EU adaptation and mitigation strategies and plans, as well as the local forest management practices within the climate change context. Acknowledgements This research received funds from the project “OPTimising FORest management decisions for a low-carbon, climate resilient future in Europe (OptFor-EU)” funded by the European Union Horizon Europe programme, under Grant agreement n°101060554.

Wildfires increasingly threaten European ecosystems and communities, highlighting the necessity for effective predictive metrics to enhance fire risk management strategies. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and the Fire Weather Index (FWI) in forecasting wildfire occurrence and the extent of burned areas across various European forest types. Utilizing the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) for comprehensive fire event data and the ERA5 reanalysis dataset from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) for meteorological variables, daily VPD and FWI values will be derived for multiple fire seasons spanning from 2000 to 2024.The research will explore how VPD and FWI each predict wildfire occurrence and burned area, with a focus on different forest types are categorized according to the CORINE Land Cover classification into broadleaf, conifer, and mixed forests while encompassing a range of climatic regions across Europe. VPD calculation methods are generally more straightforward and require fewer input parameters. In contrast FWI system is more complex, requiring a broader range of input data to compute its numerous indices.By comparing these two metrics across diverse forest types and biomes, the study seeks to determine the most effective indicators for wildfire prediction in Europe. The findings are intended to inform policymakers and fire management agencies, aiding in the development of targeted early warning systems and adaptive fire management strategies. This comparative assessment will contribute to a deeper understanding of the climatic drivers of wildfires and support efforts to mitigate their impacts under changing environmental conditions.

European Forest Types. Categories and types for sustainable forest management reporting and policy

Sustainable forest management aims to maintain and enhance the economic, social and environmental value of all types of forests, for the benefit of present and future generations. In Swaziland, despite the existence of numerous local, national, regional and international policies and legislation, sustainable forest management is far fetched. The objective of this paper was to review previous studies on policy reviews, the current status of the non-timber forest products (NTFP) sector, community consultations on resource use and management, user surveys to determine the actual quantities of harvested and utilized edible and medicinal NTFPs, and economic analyses for their direct use value, and inventory and economic valuation of standing stock of various NTFPs. Ulimatelty, this paper has made policy recommendations for the development of a theoretical framework for the sustainable management of NTFPs at the local, national, regional and international levels. This theoretical framework is divided into a set of eleven strategies. These are: Information and social communication; secure rights and access to products from natural forests and woodlands; adoption of innovative policies, revising and updating legislation and elaborating national forestry programmes; development and implementation of national level criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management; project planning and control techniques; local level guidelines for sustainable NTFP management; conservation and financing mechanisms; collaboration and networking between all institutions involved in research and development of NTFPs; institutional strengthening and capacity building; education and training at all levels of community structures; and research and development. Key words: Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), policy, strategy, policies, legislation, economic valuation, sustainable management, assessment, sustainable resource use.

SUMMARY The African resource, and in particular the Congo Basin contains the world's second largest forest area, after the Amazon, and there is a global concern for it to be sustainably managed. Practical solutions are essential if sustainable forest management is to be achieved, considering the costs and technical capacity involved. However, a certain number of difficulties must be overcome such as ill-adapted forestry laws, lack of necessary technical capacity amongst the managers and the actual cost of management. Solutions for sustainable forest management therefore include training and negotiations to better adapt legislation as well as practical issues such as reduced impact logging and the promotion of secondary species which will not only have a positive effect on the regeneration and management of the forest, but which are also more efficient in terms of costs. Certification is also a means of achieving a premium to offset the increased costs of sustainable forest management.