Suitability of contract-based nature conservation in privately-owned forests in Germany

Abstract

The successful implementation of contract-based nature conservation in privately-owned forests requires a framework of reasonable operational measures. Our study aimed at developing such a framework by; 1) defining forest conservation objects including structures, processes, and habitat types, 2) assessing their conservation value based on the need for, and worthiness of, protection, 3) reviewing the suitability of contract-based measures for conservation. Overall, we defined 67 conservation objects, with 8 of them used as case studies: deadwood, habitat trees, natural succession after large-scale disturbance, coppice-with-standards, bog and fen woodlands, dry sand pine forests, and beech forests. We considered contract-based conservation suitable if, within the contract period, outcomes of measures resulted in ecological upgrading or avoidance of value loss. We identified contract-based conservation suitable for 42 combinations of objects and measures. Our approach of assessing the potential of contract-based measures for forest conservation is novel with regards to its broad range of objects, defined criteria, and various contract periods. It can help to progress conservation and improve outcomes of measures, especially in privately-owned forests in Germany. Further prerequisites are sufficient financial resources, effective administration, consultancy and the mid- to long-term stability of funding programmes.

On the Interplay of Ownership Patterns, Biodiversity, and Conservation in Past and Present Temperate Forest Landscapes of Europe and North America

“…Payment schemes that are targeting cross-boundary ecosystem management and are adapted to the different ownership types seem necessary. For private forests, for instance, contract-based nature conservation is a suitable approach [103,172,173].…”

Conservation perspectives of small-scale private forest owners in Europe: A systematic review

“…Here, feasible strategies that integrate resource use and nature conservation and thus allow for successful multifunctional forest management also in small private forests are important (Kraus and Krumm 2013 ). For example, retention forestry accompanied by suitable legislation and incentives has the potential to complement stricter conservation approaches (Demant et al 2020 ; Gustafsson et al 2020 ). Given the current socio-demographic changes, it is further necessary to consider new forest owners with only a loose connection to their forests (Hogl et al 2005 ).…”

Owner attitudes and landscape parameters drive stand structure and valuable habitats in small-scale private forests of Lower Saxony (Germany)

“…Concerning nancial incentives for nature conservation, activities like the provisioning and retention of deadwood, the promotive management of habitat trees, or the resumption of coppicing, are very promising candidates for contract-based nature conservation in private forests (Demant et al, 2020), and SPF owners are often inclined to embrace such initiatives (Juutinen et al, 2020). Financial incentives to guide forest management decisions are regarded as a key ingredient in adapting forests to climatic change (Bauhus, 2022).…”

“…Conservation efforts might target the protection of habitat trees (for instance, 'champion trees' that we often localized near border structures in the landscape), e.g. through contract-based conservation programs (Demant et al, 2020). Over the course of such a tree's life, economical pressure might rise, leading to it being harvested at some point-especially considering the increasing demand for rewood.…”