The development of forest science and sustainable forest management in Germany during the last 300 years is a result of mining. The extraction of the ore was dependent on the availability of wood for the constructions in mine shafts and for fueling the smelting. Wieda in the Harz-mountains is a village demonstrating the development: a new museum is showing the history of mining and glas-making. Today the economy of this region depends on tourism and forestry.

Because there is a lack of general information on German forestry in English on the internet, this site was created. It based on a presentation given by Dr. Ernst Kürsten at the INTERFOB2002 on Oct. 31^st, 2002. Five main important aspects of forestry in Germany are focussed on the following pages briefly:

1. The natural preconditions for forest growth in Germany.
2. The historical importance of forests for the rural population.
3. Hunting as a main factor influencing the forests in Germany.
4. The development of a sustainable forestry based on the needs of mining.
5. Actual trends in German forestry as increasing the proportion of hardwoods, mixed and uneven aged stands due to ecological and economical reasons.

On July 3^rd, 2007, Dr. Kürsten explained the development from forest devastation 250 years ago to the actual situation of Germany forestry (with an average growing stock of 320 m³/ha!) to the 1986 batch of IFS officers 4th AFM course at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy in Dehra Dun (India) (pdf-download, 5.3 MB)

The results of the Second National Forest Inventory can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection.

The website of the Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries provides access to latest publications and research information.

German M.Sc.-programs on forestry in English:
M.Sc. Program "Tropical and International Forestry" (University of Göttingen)
M.Sc. Course "Tropical Forestry and Management" (University of Dresden)
Attention: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) if offering individual support (scholarships) for these postgraduate courses for professionals with relevance to developing countries! Details see: http://www.daad.de/entwicklung/en/index.html

In addition, the University of Göttingen in contributiing to the European M.Sc. course "Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA)".

Ph.D.-studies on forestry may also be funded by DAAD (see: Scholarship Database). They have to be arranged individually with a professor at one of the forestry institutes in Göttingen, Dresden, Munich, Freiburg or Hamburg (Institutes websites are unfortunately not always in English!).  

Forestry Contacts in Germany: http://www.foresters.org/germany.htm