Forest biodiversity is more than just the sum of its species—it’s the very cornerstone for sustainable forestry. Several reasons emphasize its importance:
Ecosystem Health and Resilience: Research underscores that biodiverse forests are more resilient. They have a better capability to adapt to threats like diseases, pests, and climatic changes.
Life’s Support System: Forests are a haven for countless species, each playing a role in ecosystem balance, from decomposition to pollination. The FAO’s State of the World’s Forests report consistently highlights the importance of forests as sanctuaries of biological diversity.
Economic and Owner Benefits: Beyond their ecological value, diverse forests have substantial economic benefits. Many vital commercial products, from pharmaceuticals to foods, are forest-derived. For forest owners, biodiversity is an asset: diverse ecosystems can support more profitable and sustainable timber and non-timber forest products. It’s a long-term investment that also aids in risk management against pests and diseases.
Carbon Sequestration: Diverse forests are adept at carbon sequestration, as highlighted in studies by the European Forest Institute. Different tree species have distinct carbon-storing capacities, making biodiversity a powerful tool against climate change.
Cultural and Recreational Importance: Biodiverse forests sustain a rich tapestry of life that has historic ties to specific regions and local species. Their diversity not only serves as a living record of these unique connections but also elevates the recreational experience for visitors, making forest excursions more informative and enjoyable.
European Initiatives: Europe acknowledges the value of biodiversity with projects like the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and LIFE – the EU’s financial instrument supporting environmental, nature conservation, and climate action projects.
In essence, the complexity and diversity of forests ensure they remain robust, productive, and resilient, for both the planet at large and individual forest owners.
GEENGOLD AND BIODIVERSITY
GreenGold has a main focus on natural forests, with a flexible approach that recognizes the value of prudent forest management. The overarching ambition is to support biodiversity and ecological resilience, acknowledging that natural forests are dynamic and have developed diverse characteristics over time. We believe in a balanced strategy that allows for a variety of species, ages, and structures within our forest landscapes. However, we also understand the necessity of certain intensive management practices, including sanitary cleaning and thinning, to maintain forest health and vitality and protect against pests, disease and fire risk. These actions are taken with careful consideration.
In Europe, where robust environmental frameworks like Natura 2000 are in place, GreenGold consistently meets these requirements for biodiversity and habitat protection. Our approach to forest stewardship is multifaceted, with a range of initiatives aimed at preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems:
Mindful harvesting practices and adapted forestry management with a focus on the best regeneration, promoting natural regeneration where it is possible, to ensure the suitability of forests to the local soil and weather conditions for good resilience, which also generally fosters a naturally more biodiverse forest.
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the FSC and/or PEFC certification of our forests, signaling our adherence to high environmental standards.
Voluntary conservation areas.
We take special measures to protect threatened species and support the conservation of deadwood and biodiversity trees within our commercially managed forests.
Collaborating with governmental agencies and academic institutions, including participation in projects like INFORMA, GreenGold is dedicated to advancing our understanding of forest ecosystems and the species that rely on them.
In all our endeavors, GreenGold’s strategy remains adaptable, striving to blend our business goals with our ecological aspirations to foster thriving forest environments.
Visiting address:
Kungsgatan 29 (7th floor)
Stockholm
SWEDEN
Mailing address:
Box 7331, SE 103 90
Stockholm
SWEDEN
e-mail: info@greengold.se