Potentials of afforestation and forest restoration from a nature conservation perspective

Against the backdrop of the German government's climate protection targets until 2045, increasing the proportion of forests is increasingly being discussed as a political goal due to the climate protection performance of forests. However, it is not clear to what extent this should be achieved in the Federal Republic of Germany. From a nature conservation perspective, many factors play a role. Forests are the habitat of specific forest biocoenoses, but at the same time they are retention reservoirs and important regulators in the natural balance. They protect erosion-sensitive soils, are important recreational areas for young and old, and, last but not least, carbon sinks. At the same time, they are subject to economic use in many parts of Germany: a balancing act between ecology and economy that is becoming increasingly difficult to manage under the conditions of climate change and the current biodiversity crisis. However, the demand for land in Germany continues to increase. The ultimate goal of the project is a forest increase strategy from a nature conservation perspective, which summarises in which sub-areas of Germany which target corridor of forest share should be aimed for from a nature conservation perspective, whether certain forest types should be particularly promoted and where, from a nationwide nature conservation perspective, priority areas for forest increase or restoration measures or priorities for action exist.