View article

Forest ecosystems have a key role in the global carbon cycle and are considered large and persistent carbon sinks. The CO2 fixed by photosynthesis is one of the most important components of the carbon cycle, and forests play a determinant role in this process. Therefore, spatially explicit data and assessments of forest biomass and carbon is of paramount importance for the design and implementation of effective sustainable forest management options and forest related policies at the European level.

The aim of this report is to present a summary of early results of the FOREST Action activities on forest biomass and carbon stock in Europe. In this report we present European-wide maps of forest biomass and carbon stock at IPCC Tier 1 level. Maps of forest biomass and carbon stock are relevant for quantifying terrestrial carbon storage and carbon sinks as well as for estimating potential emissions from land cover changes (afforestation, deforestation, reforestation), forest fragmentation and biotic (pests) and abiotic (eg forest fires, windstorms) disturbances. We describe the input data and approach, then present a summary examining the potential of the approach and further work as well as data needs in this field.