The concept of biodiversity and its evaluation in European forests

Abstract

One of the main paradigms in present-day ecology and environmental policy is the concept of biodiversity. A review is presented of biodiversity evaluation methods illustrated with an example from European forests. The adoption of a common definition of biodiversity and adequate methodology during data collating are important points of reference in biodiversity appraisals. There is a necessity to build a scientifically sound and consistent system of indicators for biodiversity evaluation in forests.

Is It Possible to Compromise Forest Conservation with Forest Use?

“…Such factors as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, cosmic rays, hurricanes, fires, and floods can alter the trajectory of forest development and have occurred throughout Earth's history. They cause disruption and provide opportunities for different elements of the environment to develop and so alter biodiversity [19,20].…”