The successful implementation of contract-based nature conservation in privately-owned forests requires a framework of reasonable operational measures. Our study aimed at developing such a framework by; 1) defining forest conservation objects including structures, processes, and habitat types, 2) assessing their conservation value based on the need for, and worthiness of, protection, 3) reviewing the suitability of contract-based measures for conservation. Overall, we defined 67 conservation objects, with 8 of them used as case studies: deadwood, habitat trees, natural succession after large-scale disturbance, coppice-with-standards, bog and fen woodlands, dry sand pine forests, and beech forests. We considered contract-based conservation suitable if, within the contract period, outcomes of measures resulted in ecological upgrading or avoidance of value loss. We identified contract-based conservation suitable for 42 combinations of objects and measures. Our approach of assessing the potential of contract-based measures for forest conservation is novel with regards to its broad range of objects, defined criteria, and various contract periods. It can help to progress conservation and improve outcomes of measures, especially in privately-owned forests in Germany. Further prerequisites are sufficient financial resources, effective administration, consultancy and the mid- to long-term stability of funding programmes.

中文翻译：

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基于合同的自然保护在德国私有林中的适用性

在私有森林中成功实施基于合同的自然保护需要一个合理的操作措施框架。我们的研究旨在通过以下方式开发这样的框架：1）定义包括结构，过程和栖息地类型在内的森林保护对象，2）根据保护的需要和价值评估其保护价值，3）审查基于合同的保护措施的适用性。总体而言，我们定义了67个保护对象，其中有8个用作案例研究：枯木，栖息地树木，大规模扰乱后的自然演替，符合标准的小灌木林，沼泽和木林，干燥的松树林和山毛榉森林。如果在合同期内，我们认为基于合同的保护是合适的，措施的结果导致生态升级或避免价值损失。我们确定了适合42种目标和措施组合的基于合同的保护。就其范围广泛的目标，确定的标准和各种合同期限而言，我们评估基于合同的森林保护措施潜力的方法是新颖的。它可以帮助推进保护工作并改善措施的成果，尤其是在德国的私有林中。进一步的前提条件是有足够的财政资源，有效的行政管理，咨询服务以及筹资计划的中长期稳定性。就其范围广泛的目标，确定的标准和不同的合同期限而言，我们评估基于合同的森林保护措施潜力的方法是新颖的。它可以帮助推进保护工作并改善措施的成果，尤其是在德国的私有林中。进一步的前提条件是有足够的财政资源，有效的行政管理，咨询服务以及筹资计划的中长期稳定性。就其范围广泛的目标，确定的标准和各种合同期限而言，我们评估基于合同的森林保护措施潜力的方法是新颖的。它可以帮助推进保护工作并改善措施的成果，尤其是在德国的私有林中。进一步的前提条件是有足够的财政资源，有效的行政管理，咨询服务以及筹资计划的中长期稳定性。