Improved large-area forest increment information in Europe through harmonisation of National Forest Inventories

• DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2024.121913
• Publication Date: 2024-05-08T11:43:25Z
• Authors: Thomas Gschwantner; Thomas Riedel; Lea Henning; Patricia Adame; Radim Adolt; Ana Aguirre; Iciar Alberdi; Valerio Avitabile; Isabel Cañellas; Lucio Di Cosmo; Christoph Fischer; Alexandra Freuden...; Patrizia Gasparini; Helena M. Henttonen; Kari T. Korhonen; Miloš Kučera; Gheorghe Marin; Jan Máslo; Marcin Mionskowski; François Morneau; Sarah Mubareka; Stefan Neagu; Mats Nilsson; Benoit Pesty; Klemens Schadauer; Radosław Sroga; Andrzej Talarczyk; Bertil Westerlund
• Keywords: National forest; Forest Inventory

Consistent knowledge about the increment in European forests gained amplified importance policies and decision processes related to forest-based bioeconomy, carbon sequestration, sustainable forest management environmental changes. Until now, large-area information from countries was lacking international comparability. In this study we present a harmonisation framework accordance with principles approach established for of National Forest Inventories (NFIs) Europe. 11 NFIs, representing broad range measurement estimation methods, developed unified reference definitions methods that were subsequently implemented provide harmonised estimates by NUTS regions (Nomenclature territorial units statistics Union), main types tree species groups, rate impact measures. The emphasis on gross annual (GAI), however, also natural losses (ANL) net (NAI) estimated. data latest available NFI cycles processed. participating represent area 130 million ha, 82% Unions' (EU) area, respectively. increments estimated terms volume (m³ year−1, m³ ha−1 year−1) above-ground biomass (t t year−1). GAI deviate +12.3% −26.5% according national methods. Within show considerable over GAI, 0.6 12.3 0.8–6.4 biomass, largest are found Central Europe gradually decrease towards North, South, West East. most coniferous larger per hectare than broadleaved while mixed at an intermediate level. However, some instances, differences small or revealed estimates. important groups Pinus spp. Picea spp., contributing 29% 26% total volume, shares prevalent smaller contributions 9%, 7% 6% Quercus Fagus sylvatica Betula results underline statistics. Looking ahead, is pivotal accurate monitoring evidence-based policy decisions changing context future ecosystems dynamics, strategies wood availability.