Forest ecosystem assessment, changes in biodiversity and climate change in a densely populated region (Flanders, Belgium)

Abstract

Throughout the world, forest covers one-third of the land's area. Present and historical human activities caused tremendous land use changes and triggered the onset of unseen climate changes. Yet, these socio-economically based environmental changes interfere with services that forests provide to mankind from global to local scales. Densely populated regions such as Flanders (Belgium), with over 430 people per km², have the dubious honour to serve as examples of extreme human induced forest changes. The issue of forest biodiversity is reviewed in the light of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment scheme. Flanders is a poorly forested region (11% forest cover); supporting services are consequently low. Merely 16% of that area has known 230 years of continuous forest cover, representing forest with the highest current biodiversity. Also, the demands for regulating services are growing and the limits may have been reached. Provisioning services may increase again in future when demands for, for example bio-energy, increase. Cultural services, particularly the recreational function, have increased greatly. Human well-being in Flanders partly depends on the services provided by forest ecosystems. However, as demands on forests are huge, a shift to a sustainable use of forest resources will be essential to assure its beneficial role for present and future generations.

Keywords:

• Biodiversity
• ecosystem services
• forest area
• forest plants
• millennium ecosystem assessment

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Prof. J. Van Orshoven, Prof. K. Verheyen and Prof. B. Muys for their help with an earlier version of this manuscript. This work was supported by a research grant from the Flemish Institute for the Encouragement of Scientific and Technological Research (IWT) to SVDV and HVC.