Project type: Land Use and Forestry
Project location: Switzerland, Canton of Bern and Jura, 7 municipalities
Project status: In operation, credits available
Annual emission reduction of the whole project: 5868 t CO2e
By reducing the use of wood, the forest in seven municipalities in the cantons of Bern and Jura is growing faster - allowing it to remove more CO₂ from the atmosphere and thus store the carbon in biomass and soil. In addition, climate-optimised forest management contributes to making the forest more resilient, making it more attractive as a habitat for various animals and plants and improving its function as a pollutant filter for groundwater.
Forests are ecosystems of immeasurable value.. They are an essential component in the fight against climate change by binding the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2), producing oxygen and storing carbon. Forests also act as water reservoirs, delaying flood peaks and purifying and storing groundwater. In addition, the forest is a guardian of biodiversity, providing a habitat for countless animals, plants and fungi. Forests also serve as recreational areas for people and provide an important renewable and climate-friendly building material and fuel in the form of the sustainable raw material wood.
The aim of this project is to adapt forestry with regard to climate protection. Adaptations through silvicultural measures make the forest fit for climate change, thereby keeping it stable, storing additional carbon and at the same time supplying the renewable raw material wood in the future. The ValForêt project pursues this approach. One example is the gradual replacement of spruce trees, which are not native to the Central Plateau, with more heat- and drought-resistant trees such as oak and beech as well as lime, fir, Douglas fir and cherry trees. These climate-resilient tree species are better adapted to warmer and drier conditions, for example through deeper root systems or more efficient regulation of water evaporation. They also have a longer lifespan and contribute to carbon storage. This strengthens the stability and resilience of the entire forest. In this way, they contribute to maintaining a healthy, resilient forest ecosystem in the long term.
Partial renunciation of utilisation in managed forests
Specifically, the ValForêt forestry operation in the canton of Bern and Jura is adapting its management as follows in order to contribute to climate protection: by using less wood on an area of 3136 hectares, more tree biomass, i.e. more carbon, is left in the forest. This so-called biological sequestration of carbon thus makes a contribution to the nationwide climate protection efforts. For the duration of the project, the forest owners commit to maintain a defined stockpile in the forest. The forest owner is compensated for this renunciation of potential and future timber revenues and the associated additional climate benefits. The increased wood stock is expected to remove up to 6520 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere every year. Over the entire project duration of 30 years, this corresponds to an emissions reduction of up to 195,606 tonnes of CO2 (incl. 10% buffer).
Until now, forest owners have not benefited financially from this sink service. This climate protection project now compensates them for their contribution to climate regulation and at the same time gives them the opportunity to adapt their management to climate change. In this way, climate-optimised management ensures that the forest remains stable and vital and that all forest functions - such as protection, timber production, biodiversity, recreation and drinking water protection - continue to be fulfilled.
Our society must rediscover what the circular economy is. Only it can lead us to a responsible management of our forests that protects them and fully utilises what they offer us. ValForêt works every day in the forest and in the ValForêt Shop to achieve this.
Wytweiden and biodiversity promotion in ValForêt
A special feature of the farm are the cultural-historical Wytweiden (wooded pastures), which characterise the landscape and have a high biodiversity value. The Wytweiden are mosaic-like ecosystems and the result of the presence of livestock in this region for more than eight centuries. The grazing of livestock creates new cultural landscapes consisting of grasslands, forests and individual trees. Many species benefit from this habitat due to different light exposures and different ages of the trees.
The traditional management of the Wytweiden is complex and requires intensive dialogue between owners, farmers, foresters and tourists. As a result, it is difficult to raise the necessary funds to maintain this jewel of cultural heritage. Financial support through the sale of CO2 certificates is therefore particularly valuable for the preservation of wooded pastures.
Other targeted measures in the forest to promote various species, such as the creation of ponds and leaving islands of old wood and habitat trees, provide valuable habitats for insects, small mammals and amphibians.
The income from the sale of CO2 emission reduction certificates compensates for the lost revenue from the use of wood and is in turn invested in measures to promote biodiversity and climate adaptation as well as in the local wood value chain. With a view to the circular economy and the long-term utilisation of wood, the ValForêt forestry operation has set up a shop where local wood is sold. The range includes untreated or impregnated boards and squared timber, round timber, fence posts and profiled slats made of Douglas fir - suitable for use in horticulture, for facades, terraces or playground equipment. All products come from sustainable cultivation and contribute to the promotion of regional cycles.
*As of May 2025. Find out how myclimate reports these SDGs in our FAQ.
The project sustainably manages a forest area of 3136 hectares.
Between 2022 and 2023, 11,736 CO2 were bound in the project.
The project promotes biodiversity with targeted measures.
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