Warum Naturwaldreservate einrichten? (Essay)

Abstract

Natural forest reserves, where any kind of intervention is prohibited, are a component of a holistic biodiversity and forest policy today. Permitting natural processes to unfold in natural forest reserves is a sustainable and cost-efficient contribution to the maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity. This paper discusses the reasons for the establishment of natural forest reserves and the peculiarities that need to be taken into account when implementing the biodiversity goals. It demonstrates that particularly the establishment of large natural forest reserves in currently managed forests on the Swiss Plateau and in the Jura mountains requires a large effort.