Afforestation
Establishment of forest through planting or seeding on land that has not been forested for at least the past 20 years.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
The activity must establish forest on land that has not been classified as forest for a period of at least 20 years. A Forest Management Plan or equivalent instrument, consistent with national law, must be in place within one year of the beginning of the activity. The plan must cover a period of at least 10 years and be continuously updated.
The net greenhouse gas benefit of afforestation must be demonstrated through a GHG balance calculation that accounts for net carbon sequestration, emissions from land-use change, and other sources. The GHG balance must show that the long-term net effect is positive using a 30-year projection period.
Where the area is located in a country with a national or subnational LULUCF Forest Reference Level (FRL), the afforestation must be consistent with the country's commitments under the LULUCF Regulation (EU) 2018/841.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
A Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) must be carried out in line with Appendix A of the Climate Delegated Act, using climate projections across multiple scenarios including RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Adaptation solutions must be implemented to reduce identified material physical climate risks such as drought, wildfire, and extreme precipitation events over the expected lifetime of the forest.
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
The activity must comply with the generic CRVA criteria in Appendix A, ensuring that physical climate risks are identified and that appropriate adaptation measures are integrated into the forest management plan.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
Afforestation activities must not cause significant degradation of water bodies. Species selection and planting density must consider local hydrology, and operations must avoid significant impacts on surface water and groundwater quality and quantity.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Waste from site preparation and planting operations must be minimised and managed in accordance with the EU Waste Framework Directive, prioritising re-use and recycling of organic materials on site.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
The use of pesticides must be minimised and replaced with alternative pest management approaches where possible, in accordance with Directive 2009/128/EC on the sustainable use of pesticides. The use of WHO Class Ia and Ib pesticides and other highly hazardous pesticides is prohibited.
DNSH: Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Afforestation must not take place on land with high biodiversity value, including primary forests, peatlands, wetlands, or grasslands with high species diversity. The activity must comply with the requirements of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and relevant national regulations. A mix of native tree species appropriate to the local ecology must be used, and monoculture plantations are restricted.