Summer is here, and what better way to spend it than enjoying the vast and beautiful forests of the Nordic countries? Whether hiking, cycling, or simply relaxing under the canopy, we can take pride in knowing that these forests are not only a delight to visit but also exemplify sustainable forest management. According to the Nordic Forest Statistics 2023 report, let’s explore how the Nordic countries protect and manage their forests in a way that benefits both the environment and the economy.
Room for more Protected Forest Areas in the Nordics
The Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden – collectively boast a forest area of 63,248 thousand hectares. This represents 34% of Europe’s total forest area, with Sweden and Finland leading the pack with 27,980 and 22,409 thousand hectares, respectively.
Most of these forests are used for various production of timber products but the Nordic countries protect 7,048 thousand hectares, which is 13% of Europe’s total protected forest area. Let’s also keep in mind that unlike agricultural land, even industrial forests are vital for protecting biodiversity, they are commonly used for recreation, and they capture Carbon.
Commitment to Conservation
In terms of strictly protected forests, the Nordic countries contribute an impressive 5,146 thousand hectares, making up 62% of Europe’s strictly protected forest areas. This demonstrates a strong commitment to stringent conservation practices, particularly in Finland and Sweden, which together account for over 4,500 thousand hectares of strictly protected forests.
Leadership in Forest Certification
When it comes to forest certification, the Nordic countries excel:
- PEFC-certified forests: 43,494 thousand hectares, accounting for 53% of Europe’s PEFC-certified forests.
- FSC-certified forests: 22,776 thousand hectares, making up 46% of Europe’s FSC-certified forests.
Finland and Sweden are the leaders here, with Finland boasting 18,985 thousand hectares of PEFC-certified forests and Sweden leading with 19,610 thousand hectares of FSC-certified forests. This significant contribution highlights their dedication to sustainable forest management practices.
The Nordic countries, with 34% of Europe’s forest area, show a mixed performance in forest protection and certification. They protect 13% of Europe’s forest area but contribute a remarkable 62% to strictly protected forests and dominate in forest certification. This balance showcases their commitment to sustainable forestry and high conservation standards, though there is potential to increase the overall protected forest areas.
Room for Celebration of Nordic Forest Sustainability
In conclusion, as we enjoy our summer in the lush Nordic forests, we can be proud of the region’s leadership in balancing extensive use with strong conservation and certification efforts. The leadership in certification and significant portion of strictly protected forests position the Nordics as key players in promoting sustainable forest management on the continent. Enhancing their share of protected forest areas could further boost their environmental stewardship.
We’re going on a summer break, but we’ll return stronger than ever with more news, articles, and statistics. Our upcoming “Nordic Insights” will delve deeper into aspects of sustainable development, providing the valuable data we cherish.
Enjoy the summer! 🌞🌴🏖️🍉
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