A new forest law is currently being drafted to protect Luxembourg's woodlands from problems such as elevated temperatures and destructive insects.
Luxembourg's forests extend over 91,000 hectares, which equals about 35% of the country's surface area. The majority of woodland, 41%, can be found in the Oesling region. There are however, also plenty of forests in the south of the Grand Duchy, as the Minette region has about 36% of the country's woodlands.
The majority of the Grand Duchy's woodlands, about 30%, are made up of beeches, followed by oaks and spruces. Forests are crucially important to filter air and water, stock CO2, support biodiversity, and ultimately help people relax from everyday life.
Unfortunately, Luxembourg's proverbial lung is not doing too well at the moment. Long dry spells and extreme heat require action, and a new forest law with protective measures is currently being drafted.
Aside from the elevated temperatures and the general lack of precipitation, there is another problem: bark beetles. This insect has already caused damages in some of Luxembourg's famous forests, including the nature reserve 'Prinzenberg' in Pétange.
