Restoring Forest Ecosystems: Evidence-Based Insights for Policymakers

Restoring forest ecosystems not only has the potential to enrich biodiversity, but also to mitigate climate change, support climate adaptation, mitigate the effects of droughts and floods, enhance water availability, improve water quality, reduce erosion, and lower avalanche induction. Given their wide range of ecosystem services, the EGU Biodiversity Task Force strongly supports the restoration of forest ecosystems going beyond Natura 2000 sites. To restore forest ecosystems effectively, a range of indicators needs be used in the Nature Restoration Law, including tree species diversity, and standing and lying deadwood. The complexity associated with forest ecosystem restoration means that expert consultation will be required to ensure the measures implemented are effective.