Potential vegetation and potential ecosystem cover

A review of literature dedicated to the creation and development of concepts of the potential vegetation and ecosystem cover has been performed. The developmental stages of these concepts are presented in relation to changes in paradigms and the development of historical ecology as a science, allowing an estimation of the depth, intensity, and transformation mechanisms of the natural ecosystem cover. The modern synecological concepts of the structural–functional organization and dynamics of ecosystems have been integrated into a system enabling further development of the concepts of the potential vegetation and potential ecosystem cover at the current level of knowledge. The first results of model reconstructions of the potential forest cover in the European part of Russia have been summarized. The prospects for further development of the concept of potential ecosystem cover are outlined. They are essential for the accomplishment of theoretical and practical conservation objectives.