Waldreichtum

The article conceives a demand on forestry to protect and restore the entire richness of forest fully and sustainably. The overall argument takes five steps. First, some conceptual clarifications are made. Second, some problematic tendencies are identified and analyzed. The third step is a reminder of some German traditions in nature conservation in forests which are updated with respect to a multi-cultural society. Next, the idea of keeping the richness of forests intact (“Waldreichtum”) is made explicit. This idea is substantiated by an environmental ethical scheme of evaluation that highlights the significance of eudaimonistic values. The argument results in orienting the role of forestry within an overall transformation to a sustainable post-growth society. Some suggestion for relieving economic pressure on forestry are finally proposed.