Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Klimaschutz, Naturschutz, und nukleare Sicherheit (BMUKN)
Lot 1: 06/2025 bis 10/2026
Lot 3: 04/2026 bis 10/2026
ECONICS Insitute
Information
To answer the key questions of the extent to which forests and the utilization of forests for timber have an impact on climate and biodiversity protection, the data collected over the last 15 years in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites Grumsin, Serrahn, Hainich, Jasmund and Kellerwald are evaluated as examples. To this end, the data is first queried, collected and checked for comparability and completeness using an indicator matrix. An initial quantitative analysis of the available data is carried out to check its international applicability. The data analysis will be used to provide in-depth answers to the specified research questions. The aim is to examine the extent to which the establishment and management of UNESCO World Heritage Forests have affected the following factors: Carbon sink, biodiversity, oxygen production, forest resilience, opportunity costs of forest managers (lost timber volume).
It is checked whether corresponding correlations exist and whether statistically reliable statements can be made. In addition, it will be examined for suitable parameters whether significant temporal trends can be identified. Comparative analyses of the various World Heritage sub-areas will also be carried out for suitable parameters. Information will be provided on near-natural forest management and on the development of naturalness through the suspension of timber utilization.
In 2026, the results will be published in two scientific publications in German and English. The publications and results will then be presented at a specialist event to mark the 15th anniversary of the existence of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Beech Forests”.
The project will develop recommendations for future data collection and processing in order to standardize them and simplify data analysis. Recommendations for long-term monitoring for all World Heritage sites, the adaptation of the indicator set from a German and international perspective and the standardization of data collection and data storage are central concerns.
In addition, further research questions in the area of socio-ecological and socio-economic forest management will be formulated and proposals for an expansion of the indicator set in these areas will be developed. The same applies to the area of remote sensing-based monitoring of UNESCO beech forests.
The bidding consortium also supports the BMUKN in the organization, implementation and documentation of an international, one-day scientific event on the global significance of the World Heritage “Ancient Beech Forests”. The concept must meet the requirements of the field of tension in which the event takes place. For example, there is a need for an appreciation of this award and a well-founded discussion on the preservation of beech forests under changing climate conditions. The recommendations for action resulting from the World Heritage Sites for the economic management of Germany’s deciduous forests are just as important as the effects of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites on other branches of management and biodiversity.
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