Luxembourg's forests in severe decline, says top official

The health of Luxembourg's forests has undergone a "brutal deterioration," according to Michel Leytem, director of the Nature and Forest Agency. He reported that while 80% of the nation's trees were considered healthy in 1984, that figure has now plummeted to just 15%.

Speaking to our colleagues from RTL Radio on Tuesday, Leytem traced a significant decline in forest health to 2019, which followed an exceptionally dry summer the previous year.

Coniferous forests particularly affected by climate change

The damage is visibly evident, particularly in northern Luxembourg. Leytem noted that spruce trees are suffering severely and dying off due to climate change, with beech trees also being heavily affected. To counter this, he advocated for forest restoration through natural regeneration and the strategic planting of more climate-resilient species.

Overabundance of game hinders regeneration

A major obstacle to this recovery is the overabundance of wildlife. Mild winters have encouraged population growth, leading to increased damage as animals consume young saplings. Leytem stated that increased culling is necessary to protect the forest's future.

To address the issue, a "round table on forests and wildlife" will be organised under the auspices of Environment Minister Serge Wilmes. Leytem stressed the need for collaborative solutions, moving past a history of "passing the buck" to genuinely understand and solve the problem together.

Balancing human intervention and natural processes

A central question remains: what will nature resolve on its own, and what requires human intervention? Leytem explained that nearly 500 people, including 260 forestry workers, manage these ecosystems. He described Luxembourg's forests as a "cultural landscape" that has been significantly modified by humans over the years, a situation now exacerbated by climate change.

While the forest struggles to withstand these rapid changes, Leytem pointed to Luxembourg's modern 2023 forestry legislation, which regulates and protects work in the forests. He affirmed that forestry work in Luxembourg is already carried out in a manner that is as natural as possible.

14,000 private forest owners

Luxembourg's forest land is divided equally between state and private ownership. The Nature and Forest Agency manages the state-owned half, which includes timber production, with the wood sold at public auction.

The Grand Duchy has approximately 14,000 private forest owners. A significant challenge, as noted by Leytem, is that some owners are unaware of their holdings or even their precise location. Despite this, he stressed that forest ownership is "a heritage that must be maintained," carrying specific obligations.

The new forestry law guarantees public access for recreation on all forest land, regardless of ownership. With this right comes an acceptance of inherent risks, such as falling branches. A forest owner's liability is limited. They can only be held responsible if gross negligence is proven. While the law does not explicitly define "gross negligence," this determination would be left to the courts in case of dispute.

The forest as a social space: hikers are "visitors"

In addition to its ecological and economic roles, the forest serves a vital social function as a place for relaxation. Visits have increased notably since the coronavirus pandemic.

Leytem emphasised that members of the public are "visitors" in this space. This entails staying on designated paths, respecting the environment, and leaving no litter behind. This code of conduct, he explained, ensures that the forest remains an enjoyable resource for both current visitors and future generations.