Work Packages

We structured the LIFE Prognoses project into distinct work packages, each addressing a key aspect of old-growth forest research and conservation.

The first work package focused on the realisation of maps of old-growth forests in Europe. Before producing the maps, we developed criteria and methods to ensure a consistent approach across countries.

The second work package concentrated on identifying and assessing the benefits of old-growth forests, commonly referred to as ecosystem services. These include biodiversity, carbon storage, recreation, and cultural values.

The third work package centred on communication and awareness-raising about old-growth forests in Europe, targeting both experts and the wider public.

Each work package was implemented through a series of coordinated actions undertaken by the project partners. Together, these efforts contributed to achieving the project’s objectives over its four-year duration.

More details about our actions

  • WP A.1.1: Definition of old growth forest and development of methods

    • Action A.1.11: Definition of old growth forest
    A comprehensive document with definitions, criteria, indicators, and thresholds for old-growth beech forests was developed. In June 2021, INBO drafted a preliminary 40-page report with over 70 scientific references, which was shared with partners for feedback. The report reviewed existing definitions of primary and old-growth forests and proposed criteria, indicators, threshold values, and methods to assess and score old-growth status. The final document, delivered in early 2022, was more detailed than initially planned.
    • Action A.1.12: Compilation of existing mapping products

    The expected outcome was a set of GIS layers and descriptions of existing European mapping products. To avoid duplication of work, this task was postponed after consultation with DG-Environment, as a similar exercise had already been completed by the JRC (Barredo et al., 2021). The focus was therefore reoriented towards mapping the “quality of old-growthness” in test areas of WP2, rescheduled for the second half of 2023 after fieldwork was completed.

    • Action A.1.13: Screening of remote-sensing-based mapping methods

    A literature review was carried out on the use of remote sensing for identifying and mapping primary and old-growth forests. Different data sources were assessed for availability, accuracy, and cost. Scientific databases (Scopus, Web of Science) were screened, and selected studies were analysed. Results were compiled in a scientific review paper submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

  • WP A.1.2: Application of mapping methods on known or suspected old growth forests

    • Action A.1.21: Field mapping and testing of indicators

    Based on the developed criteria and indicators (A.1.11), a protocol was established for standardised field mapping of old-growth status. This protocol was tested at selected World Heritage sites and buffer zones across multiple biogeographic regions (Atlantic, Alpine, Continental, Mediterranean), including Sonian Forest (BE), NP Kalkalpen (AT), Krokar & Snežnik-Zdrocle (SI), Central Balkan NP (BG), Chornohora in Carpathian Biosphere Reserve (UA), NP Hainich and Kellerwald NP (DE), and Abruzzo NP (IT).

    • Action A.1.22: Evaluation of existing datasets

    Existing maps and reference plot data (A.1.12) were cross-checked with field results (A.1.21). In November 2021, the Abruzzo NP was visited to refine indicators and protocols. Following this, the list of indicators was finalised and an inventory form was drafted in December 2021. A training workshop for technical staff was organised in Slovenia in 2022 to harmonise methodologies, exchange expertise, and test indicator measurement techniques.

    • Action A.1.23: Application of the remote sensing approach

    A remote sensing methodology was developed, tested, and calibrated to distinguish managed from old-growth beech forests. It relied on satellite and airborne LiDAR data, considering cost-effectiveness and scalability. Application took place across several World Heritage components and adjacent habitats: Sonian Forest (BE), NP Kalkalpen (AT), NP Hainich (DE), Kellerwald NP (DE), Central Balkan NP (BG), Abruzzo NP (IT), and Carpathian Biosphere Reserve (UA). A scientific paper on the developed approach was prepared, along with methods for differentiating old-growth forests from managed stands.

    • Action A.1.24: Evaluation of remote sensing results

    Remote sensing outputs (A.1.23) were validated against field data (A.1.21) and existing datasets (A.1.12). The first tests covered at least 100,000 ha across four sites in three biogeographic regions. Statistical analyses quantified the accuracy of classifying forest naturalness (managed vs. old growth). Feedback from this evaluation was used to refine models, with final results published in a peer-reviewed article.

    • Action A.1.25: Compilation of final results

    This action consolidated all outputs of WP1 into a comprehensive state-of-knowledge report. The results provided a significant contribution to a European-wide, high-resolution map of old-growth forests. Given the importance of beech forests, these outputs formed a substantial part of Europe’s old-growth mapping efforts. The work was closely aligned with the DG-Environment and JRC initiative on old-growth inventory and mapping, ensuring complementarity and added value.

  • Action A.2.01 Assessing the influence of forest management on microclimate

A scientific study was conducted to measure temperature and moisture conditions in both managed and primary/old-growth forests, to compare the effects of forest management on microclimate. In parallel, the cooling influence on adjacent open areas (e.g., agricultural land) was examined using temperature loggers and remote sensing tools. The findings were published in scientific papers: one focusing on the microclimate within forests, and another on the cooling effects of forest ecosystems on surrounding open habitats. These studies established a methodological framework to assess the ecosystem service of the cooling effect provided by unmanaged primary and old-growth forests.

  • Action A.2.02 Assessing the influence of forest management on carbon storage

Forests captured large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stored it in tree and soil biomass. In the preliminary phase, the team reviewed existing literature on forest carbon quantification and selected a sampling strategy for European forests. A measurement scheme was developed to quantify carbon stocks in the field, allowing comparison between managed and primary/old-growth forests. The sampling included living and dead biomass as well as soil organic matter. Core sampling of trees was carried out to measure wood density more precisely, generating robust empirical data on carbon storage under different growth conditions and decay stages. Tree-ring analyses also provided insights into biodiversity patterns.

  • Action A.2.03 Assessing the influence of forest management on biodiversity

A comprehensive analysis of European literature on biodiversity and the association of rare species with specific microhabitats and old-growth forest structures was performed. This study identified key microhabitats and structural indicators necessary to maintain typical beech forest biodiversity, and highlighted species indicative of long-term forest continuity. Based on these insights, a standardized field protocol and survey methodology were developed and applied at all test sites to collect consistent data for ecosystem services assessment.

  • Action A.2.04 Assessing the influence of forest management on recreation and tourism

The ecosystem service of primary and old-growth forests for recreation and tourism was evaluated at several test sites. Baseline data on tourism infrastructure (e.g., hotel beds) and visitor numbers, as well as facilities for recreational use (e.g., trails, picnic areas), were collected. Visitor surveys and interviews assessed motivations for visiting old-growth forests, providing input for calculating the economic value of these services using willingness-to-pay and travel-distance approaches. The E.C.O. Institute of Ecology developed guidelines and protocols for data collection, which were implemented by local site management, and the results were compiled for final analysis.

  • Action A.2.05 Collection and compilation of ecosystem information from test sites

Following the methodologies developed in Actions A.2.01–A.2.04, field data were collected and compiled at the site level. Guidelines, templates, and databases were provided by the leading partners of the previous actions, who also supervised the data collection process. This ensured consistent, high-quality datasets for subsequent ecosystem services analysis.

  • Action A.2.06 Calculation of ecosystem services for test sites

Using data from literature, existing inventories, and field surveys (Action A.2.05), the ecosystem services related to microclimate, carbon storage, biodiversity, and recreation & tourism were calculated for all test sites. Quantitative analyses compared managed and primary/old-growth forests, and ecological data were transformed into economic values. The results were published in scientific papers, providing a comprehensive assessment of forest ecosystem services.

  • Action B.3.01 Development of a communication and awareness raising strategy and implementation instruments

An online questionnaire was developed by the City of Angermünde (CANG) and distributed to all participating organizations, as well as to the management authorities of the World Heritage Site “Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.” This collected baseline data on existing communication activities and formats. All relevant documents and information from previous projects were also collected and compiled. Ultimately, a handbook on communication strategies—including target groups, types of communication, methods, and best practices—was developed. Inputs and feedback from partners and members of the World Heritage Site were incorporated, finalizing the handbook as a guideline for international communication regarding old-growth forests.

  • Action B.3.02 Local and national awareness raising

Activities at local and national levels were based on materials developed by the Coordination Office of the World Heritage Site and tailored to the needs of local and national partners and stakeholders. Through various actions, the project communicated the values and ecosystem services of primary and old-growth forests, as well as the objectives and outcomes of the project itself. These efforts ensured broad understanding and recognition of both the forests and the measures implemented to protect them and their services.

  • Action B.3.03 European awareness raising

European decision-makers were engaged to emphasize the importance of protecting primary and old-growth forests for biodiversity conservation. Results from work packages B.1 and B.2 were used to inform and support EU policymaking, particularly in the context of the European Green Deal, the EU New Forestry Strategy, and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. This action was closely aligned with ongoing European and international strategies and objectives, including COP 15 and COP 16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Policy recommendations for forest management and protection were harmonized with the IUCN Green List methodology.

  • Action B.3.04 Networking with other European projects (visits to other LIFE projects)

By exchanging information, attending events, and visiting other projects, this LIFE project created a network with other LIFE projects, facilitating efficient knowledge and expertise sharing. Relevant projects were identified through the LIFE database and other initiatives focusing on primary and old-growth forest protection. At least two projects were visited: the Beech Power project (INTERREG) and the Wadden Sea (UNESCO WHS). Collaboration with these projects enabled the sharing of experiences in large-scale partner communication and awareness-raising. The Beech Power project focused on enhancing site management quality and stakeholder participation to safeguard ecosystem integrity.

  • Action B.3.00 Project communication

Communication played a central role throughout the LIFE project. Within the first six months, an internal communication plan was developed by the coordinating beneficiary, outlining the various communication activities, participating partners, and their timelines. While several communication actions were planned from the outset, the strategy was flexible to incorporate feedback and lessons learned during the project. A project website, newsletters, social media accounts, and press releases were actively used to facilitate and enhance communication among partners and stakeholders.