In a significant effort to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity, the Czech Republic successfully planted almost 40,000 hectares of forests in 2022, marking the second-highest number since 1964. Despite falling just 709 hectares short of the record set in 2020, this achievement reflects a determined commitment to environmental conservation.

Of the 225,928 saplings utilized for reforestation, two-thirds were deciduous trees, emphasizing diversity in tree species. The Vysočina region stood out as a leader in reforestation efforts. Josef Kahuda, a statistician at the Czech Statistical Office, noted that the average consumption of saplings per hectare varied based on tree type, with deciduous trees requiring 7,248 saplings per hectare and conifers needing 4,205.

The planting primarily featured beech and oak trees, constituting 28% and 23% of the reforested areas, respectively. Despite this, spruce maintained a notable presence, accounting for 19.9% of all saplings, demonstrating the significance of conifers in reforestation initiatives.

While tree planting plays a critical role in forest restoration, natural renewal, where new growth arises from seeds dispersed by parent trees, also contributes to ecosystem recovery. Natural forest renewal expanded by 977 hectares in 2022, reaching a total of 10,088 hectares. Deciduous trees played a predominant role in this natural regeneration, with beech and spruce leading the way.

The Climate Coalition, an alliance of environmental organizations, highlighted the importance of tree planting for both local communities and climate protection. However, they emphasized the need for careful consideration in selecting tree species, aiming for compatibility with local conditions and continuity with existing ecosystems to preserve biodiversity.

Additionally, the coalition stressed the significance of prioritizing the survival and growth of planted trees, as older trees have a more substantial carbon-sequestering capacity due to their larger trunks and leaf areas.

By preserving old trees and the carbon stored in them, the Czech Republic not only contributes to mitigating the climate crisis but also safeguards biodiversity. The combined efforts of tree planting, natural regeneration, and sustainable forest management reflect the country’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges while fostering a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.

Article by Prague Forum