Study supported by the Forest Development Fund (agreement No. 23-00-S0INZ03-000004)
When discussing possible goals and restrictions for land use sector, it is important to base policy related decision on scientific information. This aspect is widely emphasized within the context of climate change mitigation policy as well as EU Biodiversity strategy 2030 (Barredo et al. 2021). Considering that the Green Deal policies related to land use sector are currently being developed, providing policymakers with science-based information is critical.
The aim of the study is to prepare information for Latvian and European Union (EU) forest policy makers on the dynamics and the role of old-growth forests in the context of various EU and national level strategies and to ensure its dissemination. The study is a continuation of the research project The role of old-growth forests mitigating climate change: information for Latvian and European Union forest and related sector policy makers (2022), supported by the Forest Development fund (agreement No. 22-00-S0MF10-000045).
The study was developed in Latvia in cooperation with European scientific organizations, predominately with experts from the Baltic-Nordic countries. The geographical location of the implementation does not only apply to Latvia, as the results of the study can also be used in other European Union member states.
Activities and results:
- Providing information for Latvian policy makers on the dynamics and the role of old-growth forests in the context of the EU and national level strategies and ensure its dissemination, including international conference for experts of the Nordic and Baltic countries.
- International cooperation with representatives of the forest sector and research organization as well as representatives of the European Commission.
- Establishment of sample plots in the forest in old birch stands to characterize microhabitats as one of the indicators of biological diversity.
- Identification and characterization of old forests by remote sensing approach, developing approaches for differentiating old forests and old forest stands in conifer stands.