To increase carbon sequestration in forests, knowledge is required regarding how much carbon is sequestered by forest stands at different ages, as well as an understanding of the factors that influence this sequestration.

Until now, there has not been sufficient information on carbon sequestration in old-growth stands, the area of which is increasing both in Latvia and across Europe as a whole. To find answers, a study entitled "Assessment of greenhouse gas emissions and CO2 sequestration in old-growth forest stands" was carried out between 2016 and 2020 in collaboration between Latvijas valsts meži and the Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava".

The aim of the study was to assess carbon sequestration in old or over-mature pine, spruce, birch and aspen forest stands, which have not been affected by economic activity for a long time, in comparison with mature and ripening stands.

A total of 117 over-mature forest stands were surveyed and analysed. The study provided data on carbon sequestration in over-mature broadleaf stands that is unique on a European scale and significantly expanded knowledge about the sequestration of this element in over-mature coniferous stands. The information obtained will be a significant support when evaluating the impact of various strategic and political decisions on the total ecosystem carbon sequestration in forests.