Portugal recorded, in 2023, the highest forestry growth, of 11.1%, in the European Union (EU), which is measured as the net increase in relation to the initial ‘stock’ of wood, Eurostat announced this Friday, 19th.
Among the Member States, after Portugal’s 11%, the highest forest growth was recorded in Denmark (7.6%) and Ireland (6.8%).
According to data from the EU statistical service, at the other end of the scale are Malta, which recorded no growth, Cyprus (1.6%), Estonia and Bulgaria (both 1.8%).
Forest growth refers to the biological growth of trees and is the volume of wood that grows naturally in the forest that “gains” naturally through photosynthesis and the development of trunks during the year, subtracting only natural losses (trees that die due to old age, disease or fire, but that remain in the forest).
Portugal’s high value indicates that forests are producing a lot of new biomass and indicates an option for fast-growing species, such as eucalyptus and maritime pine.