Kurtz discusses the forest in climate change

Von Sophie Müller

forest damage due to climate change increases strongly in Baden-Württemberg. During a forest walk, State Secretary Sabine Kurtz exchanged information about the situation of the forest in climate change. It was emphasized that the forest not only suffers from the effects of climate change, but also offers important solutions.

On September 14, 2023, a "forest excursion of the European Union (EU)" took place on the subject of "Forest in climate change" in the state forest near Offenburg. The event was organized by the Ministry of Nutrition, Rural Area and Consumer Protection Baden-Württemberg (MLR) in cooperation with the German Forestry Council (DFWR), the Board of Trustees for Forestry and Forestry (KWF) and ForstBW. Representatives from politics at European, federal and state level as well as associations were invited to discuss the situation of the forests.

The forest damage due to dryness, heat, storms and the bark beetle has increased significantly in recent years. In order to meet these challenges, the Baden-Württemberg forest strategy was launched. This strategy is based on the pillars of advice, support and promotion of forest owners. The forest owners should be supported in coping with forest damage and build climate -tolerant and adaptable forests in order to maintain the diverse functions of the forest. The Baden-Württemberg forest strategy can serve as a model to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal.

The strengthening and maintenance of the forests are important components for climate and biodiversity protection. Sustainable management and active care play a key role. To ensure this, forest owners need support at all levels. However, in particular at the federal level, however, there is a risk of a reduction in funding to cope with climate damage. However, this support is urgently required to maintain the forest ecosystems and to secure the diverse functions of the forest.

The forest strategy Baden-Württemberg 2050 is supposed to tackle the challenges for the forest in the long term. Goals and measures are to be developed to secure the future of the forest. As part of the forest strategy, the nationwide info campaign "Das Blatt - Together for the future of our forests" was started. This should draw attention to the climate change -related forest damage and inform about the contribution of forest management to coping with the climate crisis.

It remains to be hoped that the importance of the forest in climate change will be recognized and the necessary support for forest owners will be provided. This is the only way to continue to fulfill its diverse functions and make a contribution to climate and biodiversity protection.