Embracing the Complexity and the Richness of Boreal Old-Growth Forests: A Further Step Toward Their Ecosystem Management

Abstract

Boreal old-growth forests are specific and often undervalued ecosystems, as they present few of the structural attributes that usually define old forests in the collective culture. Yet, these ecosystems are characterized by exceptional naturalness, integrity, complexity, resilience, as well as structural and functional diversity. They therefore serve as biodiversity hot spots and provide crucial ecosystem services. However, these forests are under significant threat from human activities, causing a rapid and large-scale reduction in their surface area and integrity. The multiple values associated with boreal old-growth forests should be therefore better acknowledged and understood to ensure the sustainable management of boreal landscapes.