Forests in danger: Forest funds threaten a shortening despite the climate crisis!

Forests in danger: Forest funds threaten a shortening despite the climate crisis!

Austria's forests are under pressure! On December 17, 2024, Konrad Mylius, President of the Land & Forst Betrieben, warns prior to cuts in the forest fund. This fund is crucial for the sustainable management and conversion of the domestic forests, which are not only a habitat for numerous animal and plant species, but also act as an important carbon store. "Anyone who cuts the forest fund today risks the future of our forests!" makes Mylius clear. In view of the progressive climate change, the forest is dependent on support because it plays a central role in climate protection.

urgent appeal to protect the forests

The current coalition negotiations throw a shadow on the future of the forest fund, which is used, among other things, for reforestation, forest care and forest fire prevention. Mylius emphasizes: "Forest and wood are the most important resources in the fight against climate change. It is not about any budget position, but about necessary investments in almost 50 % of our country." These are not only words, but a warning of the challenges that forestry currently has to cope with - climate change, calamities and increasing costs are attributable to the industry.

In order to be able to meet the challenges sustainably, strengthening the forest fund is essential. "Every euro that we are investing in the forest of tomorrow is a euro for climate protection, biodiversity and the quality of life of the next generations," continued Mylius. The forest fund is therefore not only a financial instrument, but also a guide for future investments that are intended to promote the resistance and climate nitness of the Austrian forests. The Land & Forst companies therefore call for a preservation and expansion of the forest fund in order to secure the fundamental ecological and economic functionalities of the forests in the long term, as well as Land & Forst reported.