by Matteo Cavallito<\/p>\n
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Primary and old-growth forests are are rare, small and fragmented, at least in Europe where they occupy just 2% to 3% of the total forest area<\/strong>. But they are also a substantial enigma for researchers who have long struggled to collect enough information. A recent report by the EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre<\/strong> (JRC) has partially filled the gap. The survey aims to provide new useful data within the framework of the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy<\/a> which recognizes the value of these unspoiled natural spaces and calls for their “effective conservation”.<\/p>\n This initiative involves the whole forest area, which has grown by 9% in the last three decades<\/a> and is still essential in providing ecosystem services<\/strong>, including the production of renewable materials. Their use, the Commission said, is important for “climate neutrality\u201d and teh “protection of soils and water resources.\u201d<\/p>\n