European forest ecosystems: building the future on the legacy of the past

摘要: Abstract The viability of the many civilisations Europe has depended, to a very large extent, on an adequate supply wood. In Ancient World, this was secured through exploitation forest reserves, conquest new territories and, when these opportunities no longer presented themselves, conservation diminishing resources. Ultimately, collapsed because shortage Although some silvicultural techniques were known in pre-Christian era, scientific management forests not widely practised until late 18th century. It is argued that controlled ‘nature’, sustained yield principles, only became possible men came view forest, as nuisance, Arcadia or pagan horror, but centre wood production, biological factory. emergence forestry, however, did put end Unregulated felling and traditional practices such litter raking exerted insidious, negative influence fertility soil. impact human often been underestimated by scientists, recent decades, particular, context decline. While sustainable management, seen supply, forestry for centuries modern ideas sustainability are broader scope, embracing all goods services forest. Increasingly, being managed multifunctional ecosystems, amenity purposes. Forest ecosystem research, which developed from range traditional, highly focused disciplines, requires, if it make meaningful contribution long-term interdisciplinary studies. provides basis ecologically intelligent decisions such, central development management. Central successful implementation research findings their efficient transfer researcher manager. If community identifies interchange important part duties, will be decisive step towards better use Europe. deepening our knowledge past, accepting challenge present acknowledging that, researchers, we have also responsibility communicate with users, can foster growth wisdom fundamental wise Europe’s next millennium.