Germany's forests provide an impressive variety of services that are indispensable for nature and people alike. These ecosystem services can be divided into various functions that illustrate how versatile and valuable forests are.
Climate protection and carbon storage
Forests are important carbon reservoirs. They bind greenhouse gases by storing carbon both in the biomass and in the soil. Around 1,184 million tons of carbon are currently stored in Germany's forests. However, this service is being jeopardized by increasing calamities such as drought and pest infestations, which will result in more carbon being released than stored between 2017 and 2022.
Air purification and oxygen production
As the green lungs of our planet, forests convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. One hectare of coniferous forest produces up to 30 tons of oxygen per year, while deciduous forests produce around 15 tons. At the same time, forests filter pollutants out of the air by binding soot and dust particles, thus helping to improve air quality.
Water storage and drinking water protection
Forests regulate the water balance and protect our drinking water. One square meter of forest soil can store up to 200 liters of water by absorbing melt water and rainwater and slowly releasing it again. This natural filtering capacity ensures clean groundwater and protects against flooding.
Timber supply and sustainable use
The sustainable management of forests ensures the continuous supply of wood as an indispensable raw material. Whether for construction projects, furniture production or as a source of energy - wood from local forests is constantly growing. At the same time, forestry ensures that our forests are continuously replenished and preserved in the long term. By using wood as a building material, the carbon stored in the wood is bound in the long term and thus actively contributes to climate protection.
Biodiversity and habitats
Germany's forests are home to around 2,900 plant species and 140 vertebrate species. Deadwood plays a special role: it provides a habitat and food for numerous organisms and promotes biodiversity. The increase in mixed forests and the growing amount of deadwood sustainably strengthen the ecological functions of forests.
Protection against soil erosion
The roots of trees anchor the soil and protect it from erosion by water and wind. Forests thus protect the valuable soil structure, promote humus formation and improve soil quality in the long term.
Recreation and cultural significance
Forests offer retreats for recreation, health and education. They have a positive effect on well-being, promote tourism and are places of research. Burials close to nature, as are possible in cemetery forests, underline the cultural connection between man and nature.