Presentation of the third National Forest Inventory: Luxembourg's forests and the climate challenge
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, Serge Wilmes, in collaboration with the Nature and Forests Administration, today presented the results of the third cycle of the National Forest Inventory (NFI 3). Carried out between January 2023 and July 2024 at 1,845 sampling points by consultancies specialising in forestry, this inventory provides detailed information on the state of Luxembourg's forests and highlights the challenges posed by climate change.
The three national forest inventories of 2000, 2010 and 2023 are a benchmark for monitoring Luxembourg's forests. They make it possible to analyse changes in surface area, species, forest structure, standing timber volumes and biodiversity indicators. These data are essential for guiding forestry policy and guaranteeing sustainable forest management.
The results of NFI 3
The results of NFI 3 show that the forest area has remained stable over the years, currently covering around 35 % of the territory, or 92,250 hectares, with a balanced distribution between public (49.5 %) and private (50.5 %) forests. Efforts to adapt forest stands over the past two decades are bearing fruit: the proportion of hardwood species has risen from 66 % in 2010 to 75 % in 2023, and the structure of forests has been enriched, with a greater diversity of species and an increase in multi-layered stands.
Another positive indicator is the presence of old, large-diameter trees. Since 2000, their number has more than doubled, reaching almost 135,000 by 2023. At the same time, the amount of dead wood has risen sharply, from 6 to 27 m³ per hectare. These elements play a crucial role in forest biodiversity, as old trees and dead wood provide essential microhabitats for many specialist species.
However, there are some worrying signs. For example, although the volume of standing timber has increased since 2000, this parameter has decreased since 2010, with hardwood stands showing a decrease in volume growth of -21 % and softwood stands a decrease of -32 %. The same applies to the volume of wood, which increased by 18 % between 2000 and 2010 and is now only 6 % below the 2010 level. In total, over the last 23 years, the overall growth in the stock of wood has only been 11 %, despite an ageing of the stands and an increase in the average diameter of the trees. Furthermore, between 2010 and 2023, the volume of forest growth will have fallen by 25 % compared with the period 2000-2010. Calamities, dieback and unfavourable weather conditions explain this decline.
Even more worryingly, between 2010 and 2023, Luxembourg's forests emitted more carbon than they absorbed, becoming a net source of CO2 as a result of climatic damage and harvesting of spruce stands invaded by the bark beetle. Prolonged drought led to increased mortality and a proliferation of bark beetles, causing clear-cutting of spruce to increase from 850 hectares under NFI 2 to 2,050 hectares under NFI 3.
The future of Luxembourg's forests
Faced with these challenges, the Minister stressed the need to adapt forest management to the new climatic realities in order to ensure stable, diverse and resilient forests capable of providing all ecosystem services and supporting the timber industry. Priority measures include strengthening the diversity and complementarity of tree species, maintaining genetic diversity, increasing structural diversity, improving tree resistance to disturbance and adapting infrastructures to future conditions.
In 2023, Luxembourg adopted a new Forestry Code (Law of 23 August 2023), which establishes the principles of sustainable management for all public and private forests. Based on the results of NFI 3, the Ministry is currently finalising the national forestry programme in consultation with all the players in the sector. To support private owners in converting their stands, a specific aid scheme has been set up.
«The stakes are high, but by working together, we can preserve our forests for future generations and guarantee their essential role in biodiversity, climate protection and the sustainable use of wood resources», said the Minister at the presentation.