The relevance of the concept of potential natural vegetation in the Anthropocene
Imelda Somodi, Jörg Ewald, Ákos Bede‐Fazekas, Zsolt Molnár
Abstract
Background The concept of potential natural vegetation (PNV) refers to self-sustaining mature vegetation matching the environmental conditions a site offers. Despite its widespread use, the applicability of the concept under the current level of human impacts on the environment has been criticised.Aims We re-examine the original publication of the PNV concept and its development over time to identify the sources of tension between theory and application and to direct the discourse onto a common ground of understanding. Our focus is on the relationship between human impacts and PNV.Arguments Based on extended excerpts and detailed interpretation, we affirm that PNV applies to a specific point in time. Consequently, PNV is independent of any realised vegetation including past undisturbed (pre-human) vegetation. We track possible routes and reasons for alternative interpretations. We identify PNV as a mental concept, or a neutral model, that represents baseline vegetation potential that excludes contemporary human management but includes past environment-modifying impacts. We address how a concept reflecting unmanaged vegetation can be important for application in a world transformed by humans.Conclusions Rather than abandoning the concept, we advocate adhering to using it in the original sense of its definition. This way PNV can serve research as a neutral model and support sustainable land use planning.