Forest EcoValue

The Austrian Living Lab covers the whole of Styria, the most densely forested province in Austria with a forest cover of 61.4%. From floodplains and wine regions at 200 m above sea level to high alpine areas at up to 3,000 m, the forest composition is very diverse. It ranges from typical alluvial forests in the south with poplar, willow, alder and oak to lower acidic soil areas with beech-oak forests with fir and sweet chestnut in the east to spruce, beech, pine, fir, ash and sycamore in the medium altitudes and up to larch and Swiss stone pine in the high mountains. 65 % of the forest area is coniferous forest, 27 % is mixed forest and 8 % is deciduous forest. 17.2 % of the forest area is protected forest. Thanks to legally prescribed reforestation and sustainable use, the forest area is increasing and thus acts as an important CO2 sink.

1/6 of Styria’s economic output

Unique in Austria is the “dynamic forest typification”, which enables even non-professionals to select climate-adapted tree species and thus increase stability and biodiversity. 22.9 % of Styrian forests are owned by large forest owners (more than 1000 ha), 55 % are owned by small forest owners (less than 200 ha), and approx. 9 % are owned by Österreichische Bundesforste AG. Forests are responsible for 1/6 of Styria’s economic output. Styrian forests provide a range of important ecosystem services, from the provision of wood and CO2 sequestration to protection, habitat and recreational functions.

Forest Eco Services

• Biodiversity and habitat conservation: This ecosystem service is of crucial importance for the Living Lab in Styria, especially in view of the loss of biodiversity – one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. The health and resilience of our forests are closely linked to their biodiversity. With climate change bringing more extreme weather events and increased pest infestations, ensuring the resilience of our forests is becoming a crucial factor, not only for the wood processing industry, but also for local communities. Furthermore, with the recent passing of the EU Nature Restoration Act, there is a growing awareness and demand from the public to conserve biodiversity, further increasing the importance of habitat conservation initiatives in the region.
• Carbon stability and sequestration: Improving the provision of this ecosystem service is of great importance in the context of climate change. The importance of carbon sequestration and storage cannot be overstated, especially considering the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally. Unfortunately, common forest management practices such as clear-cutting and monocultures disrupt the delicate carbon balance of forests. By prioritizing carbon stability, the region is helping to mitigate climate change while promoting sustainable management practices for ecosystems.