Fifth in the series of 10 messages for 2010, the assessment by the EEA on forest ecosystems provides an overview of their state and their main threats. The assessment finds that while their overall area remains stable, woodlands face a variety of threats. Besides unsustainable management practices, air borne pollution and climate change, forests are also threatened by fragmentation due to rapidly spreading urban areas and transport networks. Both the healthy functioning of forest ecosystems and the biodiversity they foster are at risk.

EEA press release

10 messages for 2010 - Message 5 Forest Ecosystems

The assessment highlights five key messages:

• Forests cover a large part of Europe but the distribution of such ecosystems varies significantly across the continent. They fulfil multiple functions for society, providing economic, social and environmental benefits, including serving as a key reservoir of biodiversity.
• Old growth natural and semi-natural forests are the most valuable forest type in terms of storing biodiversity (including genetic variety) and carbon.
• Unsustainable forest management, fragmentation, airborne pollution and climate change are major threats to European forest biodiversity. Interacting pressures on forest ecosystems are threatening species and habitats of European interest.
• Using protected areas and other management measures, European countries are protecting and restoring their forest biodiversity. In addition, citizens are increasingly recognised as key stewards of European forests.
• Ensuring that actions in 2011, the International Year of Forests, are consistent with and support actions in 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity, will be a challenge.