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Updated: Jan 9, 2026
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A Technical Perspective in Modern Tree-ring Research - How to Overcome Dendroecological and Wood Anatomical Challenges
Published on: March 5, 2015
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Mapping European forest archetypes
José I Barredo1, Fernando Santos-Martín2, Adrián García Bruzón2
1European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Via Enrico Fermi, 2749, 21027, Ispra, VA, Italy. jose.barredo@ec.europa.eu.
Ambio
|December 3, 2025
Summary
European forests are heavily impacted by human activity. A new map reveals seven forest archetypes, showing over 50% face high use intensity, with only 13% remaining natural.
Area of Science:
- Forestry Science
- Socio-ecological Systems Analysis
- Environmental Policy
Background:
- European forests exhibit significant human-induced alterations.
- Socio-ecological data is vital for informed forest policy, encompassing biodiversity, climate, and energy considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a comprehensive map of European forest archetypes.
- To integrate natural and socio-economic forest characteristics for policy development.
Main Methods:
- Integration of diverse datasets on forest naturalness and human usage.
- Development of a classification system identifying seven distinct forest archetypes.
Main Results:
- Identification of seven European forest archetypes, from natural to intensively managed.
- Over 50% of European forests experience medium to very high use intensity.
- Naturally occurring forests constitute only 13% of the total European forest area.
Conclusions:
- The forest archetypes map serves as a critical tool for EU policies like the Biodiversity Strategy and Nature Restoration Regulation.
- Understanding archetype distribution is key for assessing forest status and setting conservation/management targets.
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