Forests and parks – Mitigation
In the mitigation of climate change, parks and forests for recreational use, outdoor activities and camping play several roles that should be given consideration when the forest management plans are prepared.
Forests store carbon into the woods and soil
Old forests that are typically used for recreational use and outdoor activities have a notably large and long-term carbon storage stored in the vegetation and soil. Forest treatment should therefore care for these carbon storages by keeping loggings as minimal as possible and leaving dead trees in the forest. At the same time however, the need for thinning the woods should be monitored to prevent excess shadiness from weakening the growth of the trees. In addition, a close eye should be kept on the possible risk of developing insect damage in the forest from fallen trees.
Changing old forests to other use should be avoided. Approximately 10kg of carbon per square metre is stored in trees and their roots. If a hectare of forest is cut down to make room for residential buildings or a field, the carbon storage is decreased by 100 tons. This corresponds to approximately 370 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which, in turn, corresponds to the annual carbon dioxide emissions of approximately thirty Finns.
Recreational use of forests reduces emissions indirectly
By acting as recreational areas where people can spend their leisure time instead of more energy-consuming hobbies, such as indoor sports or use of electronic medias, forests and parks can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions indirectly. Attractive areas are easier to plan if the needs and wishes of local residents are heard.
In addition, walking, jogging and cycling in the forests and parks can be promoted by pedestrian and bicycle ways that are in good condition and safe and connect naturally to the rest of the road system. Berries and mushrooms picked from forests as well as vegetables and fruits from garden lots are close-produced vegetable food and can reduce the emissions from the dietary regimen of local residents.
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Checklist
Managing carbon sinks: Have management plans been prepared for recreation, outdoor activity and hiking forests owned by the municipality?
Preparing and updating management plans for municipal forests
| Strengths, factors in favour |
Weaknesses, uncertainties |
Costs, economic impacts |
| Analysing the carbon balance of municipal forests concretises the role of forests in climate change for decision-makers. |
Implementation of plans must be monitored and implementation programmes systematically updated. Otherwise their benefits may remain unattained. |
+ Using the potential of forests to mitigate climate change (carbon sinks) is a cost-efficient method in reaching the objectives set on municipalities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. |
| Forest management measures can be planned so that they mitigate climate change. |
Avoiding felling may lead to increasing shade in the forest, which slows down the growth of trees. |
+ Employment for local entrepreneurs in arranging services in recreation areas. |
| Avoiding felling and leaving dead trees in the forest increases the carbon reserve of vegetation and soil. |
Leaving dead and fallen trees in the forest may cause a risk of increasing insect damage to the forest.
The insect situation and shadiness of forests must be monitored regularly.
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+ The tourism income of the municipality increases when residents tour in their own municipality instead of travelling elsewhere. In addition, good recreation facilities may attract tourists from other municipalities, too. |
| Taking account of local residents' wishes in plans increases the use of forests for outdoor activities, hiking and other recreation purposes. |
Passenger car traffic may increase if the recreational forests are not within a walking or cycling distance. The need for providing public transport must be monitored. |
- Construction and maintenance of routes and service points to facilitate recreational use involves costs. |
| Recreational use of forests may decrease leisure activities that generate more emissions. |
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| High quality network of pedestrian and bicycle routes in municipal forests promotes walking and cycling instead of motoring. |
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| Increasing collection of berries and mushrooms may decrease greenhouse gas emissions from food production and eating habits. |
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| Public hearing of local residents may enhance their awareness of climate change. |
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