Mapping Hotspots and Bundles of Forest Ecosystem Services Across the European Union

Forests cover about 40 % of the European Union (EU). So forest ecosystem is an important part of Europe’s overall system.  These vast expanses of greenery are not merely collections of trees; they are intricate and vital forest ecosystems that provide a wide spectrum of invaluable ecosystem services to more than half a billion people. From the dense boreal forests of the north to the Mediterranean woodlands of the south, these ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting human well-being. In order to protect and harness this crucial asset, EU policies are advancing multifunctional management. This multifaceted approach recognizes that forests are more than just sources of timber; they are complex systems that offer a multitude of benefits. The study discussed here lays a foundation for such an effort by mapping the supply of key forest ecosystem services (FES) across the entire EU. This comprehensive mapping includes essential services such as wood, water supply, erosion control, pollination, habitat protection, soil formation, climate regulation, and recreation. By understanding where these services are provided and how they interact, policymakers can make more informed decisions that support both ecological health and human needs.

To further support the operationalization of multifunctionality and targeting of policies, our analysis delineates hotspots, assesses synergies and tradeoffs, and identifies spatial bundles. This detailed mapping process is essential for identifying areas where multiple ecosystem services converge, known as hotspots. These hotspots are critical for prioritizing conservation and management efforts, as they represent regions where the benefits of forest ecosystems are most concentrated. For example, a hotspot might be an area where forests provide significant water supply, erosion control, and habitat protection simultaneously. By pinpointing these areas, policymakers can focus resources where they will have the greatest impact.

Understanding the relationships between different forest ecosystem services is crucial for effective management. Our analysis assesses synergies and tradeoffs, which are the interactions between different services that can either enhance or diminish their overall value. Synergies occur when the provision of one service positively impacts another. For instance, forests that provide habitat protection for pollinators can also enhance pollination services for nearby agricultural areas. On the other hand, tradeoffs occur when increasing one service comes at the expense of another. An example of a tradeoff might be the conversion of a forested area to agricultural land to increase food production, which could reduce the forest’s ability to provide climate regulation and soil formation services. By identifying these synergies and tradeoffs, policymakers can make more balanced decisions that consider the full range of ecosystem services provided by forests.

Identifying spatial bundles is another important aspect of our analysis. Spatial bundles are groups of ecosystem services that tend to occur together in specific locations. Recognizing these bundles helps in understanding the underlying ecological processes and human activities that drive the provision of multiple services in a given area. For example, a spatial bundle might include wood production, soil formation, and climate regulation in a particular forested region. This information is invaluable for policymakers as it allows them to design policies that are tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of different regions. By targeting policies to areas with specific spatial bundles, the EU can ensure that its multifunctional management strategies are both effective and efficient.

The practical implementation of the different EU strategies promoting the sustainable use of natural processes and capital for ecological and social well-being requires an in-depth knowledge of where different forest ecosystem services (FES) are supplied across the EU territory. This can be achieved through mapping. However, there are still knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. For instance, while we have a good understanding of the distribution of some services like wood production, there is a need for more detailed and accurate mapping of other services such as pollination and habitat protection. Additionally, the dynamic nature of forest ecosystems means that ongoing monitoring and updating of maps are necessary to reflect changes in service provision due to factors such as climate change, land-use change, and forest management practices. By filling these knowledge gaps and continuously improving our understanding of forest ecosystem services, the EU can better implement policies that support the sustainable use of its forest resources.

In conclusion, the forest ecosystems of the EU are invaluable assets that provide a wide range of ecosystem services essential for both ecological health and human well-being. Through comprehensive mapping, the identification of hotspots, the assessment of synergies and tradeoffs, and the recognition of spatial bundles, the EU can advance its multifunctional management strategies. This approach not only ensures the sustainable use of forest resources but also supports the overall goal of ecological and social well-being. As we continue to learn more about these complex ecosystems, we must apply this knowledge to inform and enhance our policies and practices. By doing so, we can protect and harness the full potential of the EU’s forest ecosystems for generations to come.