The German Peter Wohlleben is a type of enlightened forester who brings a new perspective on forests and trees and the meaning of forestry work. He sees the forest as a complex social organism in which individual trees communicate and cooperate with each other and which therefore needs to be cared for as a whole. He understands trees as unique beings that feel pain, have a memory and care for their young and sick members. The trees work together to ensure the survival of the forest as a whole, which creates a cool and humid climate in which the trees feel comfortable and can live in it for a long time. According to Peter Wohlleben, foresters should above all be protectors of trees and their main goal should be to preserve a healthy forest for future generations. He is convinced that Germany needs to start protecting original natural forests. Near the village of Hümmel near the German-Belgian border, he is taking care of an old beech forest that is returning it to its original natural form. He created a model of sustainable forestry here, which is financially very profitable even though only 15% of the forest is intended for wood production.
Protection of old-growth forests in Germany – Peter Wohlleben
