A review of the range and value of ecosystem services from Irish forests.

Abstract

Much reference is made to the importance of forests in the delivery of ecosystem services. This paper examines the range of biophysical services provided by forests and the economic and social value of the final ecosystem services. Although information is presented for Ireland where just over one tenth of the land area is forest, most of which is comprised of planted conifer species with a smaller proportion of broadleaf species, this composition is comparable to that of many other developed countries with a temperate climate. The assessment examines the evidence for ecosystem services in relation to habitat, timber production, carbon storage and sequestration, water quality, moderation of run-off, recreation and amenity. It distinguishes between the services provided by forests as distinct from trees and takes into account alternative uses of the land, the role of soils and the contribution of appropriate management to avoiding potentially adverse impacts. It aims to provide a comprehensive, if introductory review of the range of ES, the interactions that exist between them, their economic value and the opportunities for forest policy and management to strengthen these benefits.