Rehabilitation and Restoration of Forests

Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation

The activity must rehabilitate or restore degraded forest land that is already classified as forest. A Forest Management Plan or equivalent instrument must be in place, covering at least 10 years and demonstrating the expected improvement in carbon stocks. The plan must include measurable targets for restoration outcomes.

A GHG balance calculation must demonstrate a net positive carbon sequestration effect over a 30-year projection. The calculation must account for changes in above-ground and below-ground biomass, deadwood, litter, and soil organic carbon. Where the area is in a managed forest, the restoration must be consistent with the country's Forest Reference Level under the LULUCF Regulation.

Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation

A Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment must be carried out in accordance with Appendix A. The assessment must identify material physical climate risks to the restored forest area, including drought stress, wildfire frequency, pest and disease outbreaks, and storm damage. Adaptation measures must be embedded in the restoration plan.

DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation

Physical climate hazards must be assessed following Appendix A criteria, and the forest management plan must incorporate resilience measures such as diversified species composition and adaptive management triggers.

DNSH: Water and Marine Resources

Restoration activities must not result in deterioration of water body status under the Water Framework Directive. Riparian buffer zones must be maintained, and water extraction for nursery operations must remain within sustainable limits.

DNSH: Circular Economy

Organic residues from rehabilitation work must be retained on site where ecologically appropriate. Waste from operations must be managed in line with the Waste Framework Directive.

DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control

Chemical inputs must be minimised. Where pesticides or fertilisers are used, application must follow integrated pest management principles under Directive 2009/128/EC. WHO Class Ia and Ib pesticides are prohibited.

DNSH: Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Restoration must use native species suited to local ecological conditions. The activity must not convert natural ecosystems and must support habitat connectivity. An Environmental Impact Assessment must be conducted where required by national law. The restoration plan must include biodiversity monitoring indicators.