A recent study from the European Forest Institute reveals that Southern European countries, particularly Croatia, Spain, and Portugal, show the highest potential for carbon sequestration through afforestation in the EU. Unlike Central and Northern Europe, where newly planted forests capture less carbon above and below ground, Mediterranean nations have favourable conditions that support rapid carbon storage in newly established forests.
Scenic landscape of the lush green Irati Forest, Spain's largest deciduous woodland. AI generated picture.
The report, titled Carbon Farming in the European Forestry Sector, highlights that afforestation efforts on cropland or grassland—untouched by forests for over 50 years—are less effective in countries with temperate or boreal climates, like Germany or Sweden. The findings emphasise that Southern Europe’s warmer climate and intensive plantations of fast-growing species, such as eucalyptus and poplar, yield far greater carbon capture.
Read more: Portugal launches portal to kickstart domestic VCM
This research aligns with the EU's upcoming carbon dioxide removal (CDR) certification scheme, set to facilitate carbon credit earnings from afforestation projects across Europe. The scheme, currently under expert review, will include various methodologies, with protocols for both forestry and peatland restoration.
While Southern Europe leads in forest-based carbon capture, the study also identifies peatland restoration as a highly promising carbon farming strategy. Restoration efforts can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially in Central Europe, where immediate effects are observed. In Northern Europe, however, the benefits materialise over a longer period.
In contrast, afforestation in Northern boreal regions, including Finland and Norway, often results in less carbon capture or even soil carbon loss in the short term. The study suggests that a regionally tailored approach is crucial to maximising the carbon capture potential of forestry initiatives across Europe.
Read more: 86% of the Spanish stock market plans to become carbon neutral
Nature offers us an unparalleled solution to combat carbon emissions, and by committing to nature-based approaches, we can restore the planet’s balance. At DGB Group, our mission is to unleash this potential through impactful reforestation and afforestation projects that go beyond simply planting trees—they’re about restoring ecosystems and fostering environments where both nature and communities can thrive.
Our projects are built with longevity and resilience in mind, meeting the highest environmental and social standards to ensure that our efforts create lasting, positive change. When you invest in these initiatives, you’re not just contributing to environmental stewardship; you’re helping to build a sustainable future where people and nature flourish together.
We invite you to join us in this journey to leave a legacy of renewal and resilience, one that protects the planet and uplifts the communities that depend on it.
