Creating and managing forests for carbon from an Irish perspective

Abstract

Forest ecosystems can fulfil the needs and demands of societies (timber products, recreation) while aiding in mitigating the impacts of climate change and supporting biodiversity. According to the 2022 National Forest Inventory, forests in Ireland cover 11.6% of the land area and are an important carbon stock. Appropriate management of the forest estate to support a range of ecosystem services is required. This paper reviews the current and projected forest carbon stocks and emissions for Ireland. We provide an overview of our understanding of the relationships between forest management and carbon at the stand and landscape levels, drawing on relevant national and international studies. We focus on existing forests, examining their present state and the valuable lessons they offer to optimise the potential of future forests, whilst considering legacyissues. The paper explores the sensitivities of the forest carbon balance to management practices, silviculture, and afforestation policies. We show the complexity of balancing silvicultural and forest management practices with climate change mitigation impacts and highlight important carbon sources that should be protected and managed in support of sustainable forests. We emphasise the need to adopt a strategic approach that involves selecting the appropriate tree species for specific locations based on well‑defined objectives. We discuss how to harness and maximise the carbon‑related benefits of forests while exploring ways to transform forests to enhance their climate resilience, promote ecosystem services, and support a robust and sustainable bio‑economy. The purpose of this study is to provide insights that contribute to the holistic management of forests, ensuring they fulfil their multifaceted roles in addressing climate change, providing essential services, and fostering a healthy and thriving environment. The paper highlights the importance of an integrated, landscape‑level and long‑term forestry strategy for Ireland.