How to identify old-growth forests in northern Europe: advice from science
This policy brief synthesizes scientific evidence on the ecology, structure, and natural dynamics of North-European (boreal and hemiboreal) old-growth forests (OGF), and provides clear, operational, science-based recommendations for implementing the European Commission’s OGF indicators in this region. According to the Commission guidelines, forest stands qualify as OGF if they fulfil the criteria of all three main indicators (recommendations 2-4) plus at least two complementary ones (5-8). This policy brief is based on peer-reviewed scientific publication1, and written for policymakers, public authorities, and stakeholders seeking objective, reliable guidance for identifying old-growth forests throughout Northern Europe.
Authors
- Guntis Brūmelis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8385-2553)
- Raisa Mäkipää (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3146-4425)
- Gediminas Brazaitis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0234-9292)
- Mikko Mönkkönen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8897-3314)
- Asko Lõhmus (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7283-8716)
- Bengt Gunnar Jonsson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7307-1940)
- Kimmo Syrjänen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4480-509X)
Institutions
- Vytautas Magnus University (LT)
- Finnish Environment Institute (FI)
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (FI)
- University of Tartu (EE)
- University of Latvia (LV)
- University of Jyväskylä (FI)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Wisdom Letters
- Published
- 2026-09-14
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.17011/wl/17
- Primary Topic
- Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Eesti Teadusagentuur
- Koneen Säätiö
- Strategic Research Council