Forests

German forests have many faces, talents and functions. They leave their mark on landscapes, provide a habitat for plants and animals and help to protect the climate, water and soils. At the same time, forests provide an area for recreation and exercise and form part of our cultural identity. Our forests are therefore, at the same time, natural environments and places to pursue recreation and engage in economic activities.

They have been managed in a sustainable manner for 300 years now.

In international forest policy, the Federal Government takes a stance against illegal logging and advocates global forest conservation.

Overview of topics

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.

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Forests around the globe

BMEL co-ordinates the federal government’s international forest policy and is committed both to combating ongoing deforestation and illegal logging, and to promoting sustainable forest management. Nine million hectares of natural forest are destroyed every year, particularly in tropical countries.

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Recommendations

Deforestation-free supply chains: agricultural production without forest destruction (topic:forest)

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), land clearing for agricultural purposes accounts for up to 90 percent of global deforestation. This mainly affects forests in the tropics. The demand for palm oil, soya and cocoa in important consumer countries such as the U.S. and China but also the EU is considered an important driving factor alongside domestic consumption in the producer regions. For successful international forest protection, agricultural commodities must be produced as sustainably as possible. This also means: without destroying forest areas.

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Forests and forest management contribute to the Federal Government’s sustainability goals  (topic:agenda-2030)

Forest management contributes to achieving the Federal Government’s sustainability goals. Like no other area, forest management is geared towards the needs of future generations.

 

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Forest Climate Fund (topic:forest)

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