Old growth forests Characteristics, Conservation and Monitoring

Among the varied functions of a forest, that of production has always been privileged at the expense of ecological functions. Forest managers now wish to combine different objectives in “multi-functional” areas. This is the case in suburban forests, where the social role is predominant. It is also the trend in protected areas where ecological functions are highlighted. Although lacking a large “primary” forest that represents the ecological optimum for scientists, certain measures of protection and management can be adopted to increase forest “naturalness”. This technical report has the following objectives: to describe the functioning of old-growth forests and to clarify the concept of naturalness; and to present the reasons that encourage us to protect forests, as well as the different means available to those who manage natural areas to help study and preserve them.