Forests in Germany

Our forests are all-rounders: they are sources of raw materials, climate change mitigators, wellness havens, habitats for countless animal and plant species and much more. Covering 32 percent of Germany, forests are a major feature of our country.

Forest management in Germany is sustainable and an example at international level. The Federal Government aims to maintain forests and ensure their sustainable exploitation while striking a balance between the manifold demands of our society and the interests of forest owners. The Scientific Advisory Board on Forest Policy provides the Federal Government with advice and assistance.

Overview of topics

Forests and forest management contribute to the Federal Government’s sustainability goals

Forest management contributes to achieving the Federal Government’s sustainability goals. Like no other area, forest management is geared towards the requirements of future generations. The total forest area and the stocks of biomass and timber have been increasing for years despite being used.

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Forest Strategy 2020

Forests cover approximately 11.4 million hectares in Germany, which equates to one third of Germany's national territory. They are valuable ecosystems, carbon sinks and recreation areas and also important suppliers of raw materials. Forest management in Germany is based on a tried-and-tested, integrative concept that aims to ensure a sustainable, multi-functional forestry sector.

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Environmental forest monitoring

Politics, industry, administrative bodies and the public need reliable and up-to-date data on forests. This need for information is met by the National Forest Inventory and the surveys on environmental forest monitoring. 

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