Forest Adaptation - Luckaitz Valley

In addition to their function as recreational areas, forests serve as huge CO2 reservoirs and thus make a decisive contribution to climate protection. In Germany alone, forestry reduce the burden on the atmosphere by more than 120 million tons of CO2 every year. However, the forest is facing major challenges due to climate change. Drought, storms, and insect infestations are putting increasing pressure on the forest. An important approach to stabilizing and vitalizing stands and maintaining forest functions is large-scale forest adaptation. This involves converting vulnerable coniferous stands into diverse mixed forests that disperse risk.

The project enables cost-intensive forest conversion and thus helps to maintain forests and their CO2 sink function. Intact terrestrial ecosystems are essential for our health and for economic and social stability. In addition, the introduction of new, climate-resilient tree species leads to a significant increase in biodiversity. That is, the project increases biodiversity by 470% according to the Shannen Diversity Index and introduces six new species to the area, ensuring intact ecosystems. Through that, the project ensures intact ecosystems, health, as well as economic and social stability.

Forests play a crucial role in maintaining high air quality. The multilayered canopy of needles and leaves in forests effectively filters out dust and soot. One hectare of forest is capable of removing up to 60,000 kg of dust from the air annually. Not only do forests filter out solid particles, but they also absorb gaseous pollutants, including nitrogen oxides. Through this process, forests help mitigate the negative impacts of such pollutants on air quality. Due to their crucial role in carbon sequestration and oxygen production forests are often referred to as the "lungs of the earth". As trees and vegetation capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, they store it within their biomass, thus mitigating climate change. Additionally, forests release oxygen during the process of photosynthesis.

An example of their significance is highlighted by mature beech trees, which generate enough oxygen every day to cover the breathing needs of 10-20 individuals. Apart from air quality, the project also supports forest owners. Traditional forest owners typically generate income through selling timber. Pina Earth offers them an additional source of income for their ecosystem services - in the form of CO2 certificates that can be obtained through forest transformation measures.

Throughout the collaboration, forest owners acquire comprehensive knowledge about climate change and can adjust their forest management practices to enhance carbon sequestration and strengthen biodiversity. By providing personal consultation to forest owners, customers, and business partners, Pina Earth raises awareness about the risks that German forests' face while offering solutions to address these challenges. Additionally, through regular guest lectures, the importance of forest transformation and biodiversity is made accessible to a wide audience.