The multi-functional forest: Groundwater protection, CO2 absorption, and biodiversity

Denmark is unique in the fact that virtually all the country’s drinking water is sourced from groundwater supplies (99 per cent), where the water is pumped up to the surface via wells. In most parts of Denmark, the groundwater is only subjected to a simple filtration and aeration process before being delivered as drinking water to the consumers.

Being able to provide high-quality drinking water that has been minimally treated is a source of pride for Denmark.  However, traces of pesticides have been found all over the country in the wells. Management and protection of the country’s groundwater supplies in a sustainable manner is therefore essential.

To secure future drinking water resources, the groundwater needs to be protected from pesticides and other sources of pollution. This can be done through targeted efforts in areas with groundwater aquifers.

A key element is to prevent the use of pesticides in these areas – and one way of doing so is afforestation. Forests in Denmark are protected by law, so areas with forest will remain forest forever, and if you combine this with declarations to not use pesticides, you have a viable solution for generations to come. The forest also prevents alternate use of the land for industrial purposes or for housing, which also can pose pollution threats.

Elmelund Forest: The newest large-scale forest in 100 years. Credit: VCS

The Elmelund area west of Odense provides a significant part of Odense’s drinking water supplies. Therefore, the local water company VCS Denmark in 2001 entered into an afforestation agreement with the City of Odense and the Danish Nature Agency (Naturstyrelsen) to afforest 2,000 hectares of publicly owned land in the municipality.

The cooperation meant that resources could be shared in the creation of a new forest – Elmelund forest – that fulfilled more than one purpose. Increasing Denmark’s amount of woodland was already a national agenda, and for the City of Odense, Elmelund added a sought-after recreational area in close proximity to the city center.

Afforestation prevents pesticides and toxins from seeping into the soil and polluting the groundwater and creating Elmelund forest secures a large percentage of Odense’s drinking water – arguably forever. The forest also enhances biodiversity and absorbs carbon dioxide, thus protecting the climate.

Furthermore, by virtue of its close proximity to the city, Elmelund forest creates new possibilities for outdoor recreation and exercise for Odense’s inhabitants, thus increasing the city’s liveability and the health of its citizens.

Odense aims to become Denmark’s greenest city, with a wealth of outdoor recreation activities and wild nature. It has also set a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Elmelund forest helps fulfil this goal. Furthermore, by protecting groundwater aquifers, the forest contributes to VCS Denmark’s goal of supplying drinking water that is solely based on clean groundwater by 2050.

The tripartite partnership has made it possible to finance and execute afforestation projects in the municipality, and plans are currently underway to create a new forest to add to existing green belts. Inspired by Elmelund forest, an area around Højby and Lindved is being developed by the three partners behind Elmelund forest (VCS Denmark, the City of Odense, and the Danish Nature Agency), where citizens will be involved in its development, just as they were with Elmelund forest.