The relevance of the concept of potential natural vegetation in the Anthropocene

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.