Exploring Soil Conservation Services in Europe’s Urban and Peri-Urban Forests: A Comparative Analysis

With global urbanization on the rise, urban and peri-urban forests (UPFs) have emerged as a critical source of green infrastructure. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of soil conservation (SC) services provided by UPFs across European Union (EU) member states. Utilizing an erosion modeling approach and open access earth observation (EO) data, the distribution and magnitude of SC services within UPFs are evaluated. Significant disparities in SC service supply among EU countries are revealed, with Mediterranean nations exhibiting higher values compared to central and northern European counterparts. The study underscores the pivotal role of UPFs as nature-based solutions (NbSs) in enhancing ecosystem service (ES) provision for citizen well-being. By integrating SC and ES concepts into forest management strategies, UPFs can effectively contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving citizen well-being. This research provides valuable insights for EU policymakers and stakeholders, laying the groundwork for integrated UPF management strategies. Through prioritizing SC measures and adopting integrated approaches, policymakers can ensure the resilience and ecological integrity of UPFs, enhancing their capacity to provide vital ecosystem services in Europe’s urbanized landscapes.