Forest Management
Sustainable management of existing forests to maintain and enhance carbon stocks while producing timber and non-timber forest products.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
The forest holding must operate under a Forest Management Plan covering at least 10 years, prepared in compliance with national legislation and consistent with the criteria of the Forest Europe Ministerial Conference. The plan must demonstrate that the carbon stocks and sinks of the forest are maintained or strengthened over the plan period.
A GHG benefit analysis must show that the combination of carbon stocks in the living biomass, deadwood, litter, and soil organic carbon, together with the pool of harvested wood products, delivers a net carbon benefit over the plan period. For forest holdings above 13 hectares, an independent audit or forest certification (FSC, PEFC, or equivalent) must verify the management plan and its implementation.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
The activity must implement adaptation measures identified through a CRVA carried out under Appendix A, covering chronic hazards (temperature increase, precipitation changes) and acute hazards (storms, drought, wildfire) over the expected management period under RCP 8.5 projections.
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
Climate risks must be assessed per Appendix A. The management plan must incorporate measures to enhance forest resilience, including species diversification, stand structure variation, and natural regeneration targets.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
Forest management operations must maintain riparian buffers, avoid soil compaction in water-sensitive areas, and ensure harvesting operations do not degrade water body status under the Water Framework Directive.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Harvested timber and residues must be used efficiently, prioritising long-lived wood products. Logging residues must be managed to maintain soil nutrient cycling while avoiding unnecessary waste.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
Use of pesticides and fertilisers must follow integrated pest management under Directive 2009/128/EC. Chemical application near water courses must be avoided. WHO Class Ia and Ib pesticides are prohibited.
DNSH: Biodiversity and Ecosystems
At least 15% of the forest area must be set aside as reference areas or managed with biodiversity as the primary objective. Deadwood retention targets must be set. No conversion of high-biodiversity ecosystems is permitted. Forestry operations must comply with the Habitats and Birds Directives where applicable.