Germany's Forests Face Crisis: 44.7% Damaged, Harvest Underreported
Germany's forests cover approximately 11.54 million hectares, roughly a third of the country's total area. A recent report reveals concerning trends in forest health and harvest. In 2024, around 44.7% of Germany's wood was damaged, primarily due to insects (61.5%) and windthrow/storms (13.3%). To maintain productivity and quality, sustainable, near-natural forestry is crucial. The harvest in 2024 totalled 61.2 million cubic meters, a 13% decrease from the previous year. About 74.3% of this was used for material purposes, 20.5% for energy, and 5% was non-utilized hardwood. However, official statistics capture only 81% of the actual harvest, leaving a 'harvest gap' of about 13.0 million m³ per year. Forest damage is widespread, with 79% of trees showing signs, mainly due to heat, drought, and bark beetle infestations. Conifers accounted for 81.5% of the 2024 harvest, with private forests contributing 49% and state forests 31%. The forest and wood sector supports around 738,000 jobs and generates approximately 34 billion euros in gross value added. Germany's forests face significant challenges, including extensive damage and underreporting of harvests. Sustainable practices and improved monitoring are essential to preserve these vital resources and maintain their economic and environmental contributions.
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