Conservation Forestry
Management of forests with the primary objective of conserving biodiversity and protecting ecosystem services including carbon storage.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
The activity covers forest areas where the primary management objective is the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of carbon-rich ecosystems. The forest area must be subject to a management plan or conservation agreement that ensures existing carbon stocks in biomass and soils are maintained or increased over the plan period.
No net reduction in carbon stocks is permitted. Where limited harvesting occurs for conservation purposes (e.g. invasive species removal, habitat restoration), a GHG balance must demonstrate that the overall carbon stock trajectory remains positive. The plan must cover at least 10 years and include monitoring provisions for carbon stock verification.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
A Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment in line with Appendix A must identify risks from chronic and acute physical climate hazards, particularly wildfire, drought, and changes in species composition. The conservation plan must integrate adaptive management measures to maintain ecosystem resilience under projected climate conditions.
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
Climate hazards must be assessed per Appendix A. Adaptation measures must prioritise nature-based solutions, including natural regeneration and habitat connectivity corridors to support species migration under changing climate conditions.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
The conservation area must protect water resources by maintaining natural hydrological processes. No drainage of wetlands within or adjacent to the forest is permitted, and water abstraction must not compromise ecosystem water requirements.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Any materials removed during conservation management must be reused or recycled where possible. Waste from management activities must comply with the Waste Framework Directive.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
Chemical pesticides and fertilisers are prohibited within the conservation area except where strictly necessary for invasive species control, subject to Environmental Impact Assessment and regulatory approval. No WHO Class Ia, Ib, or highly hazardous pesticides may be used.
DNSH: Biodiversity and Ecosystems
The conservation plan must set specific biodiversity targets covering habitat condition, species diversity, and ecological connectivity. The activity must comply with the Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, and the EU Biodiversity Strategy. No conversion of natural or semi-natural habitats is permitted. Monitoring must include indicator species assessments at regular intervals.