Towards climate resilient forests and forest management

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The demand for forest ecosystem services and products is projected to increase in the future, driven by market demand and by EU and national policies on energy and climate. However, the condition of forests in Europe is moderate to poor. Climate change impacts will make forests even more vulnerable.The increased vulnerability and deterioration of forests can be reversed towards a higher resilience through enriched and varied forest ecosystems. This ensures sustained provision of ecosystem goods and services for future generations, notably carbon sequestration, biodiversity, wood production, and recreation.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of LIFE CLIMATE FOREST is to demonstrate a tree-oriented management approach for improving climate resilience of forest ecosystems on sandy soils, which are characteristic of Dutch forests. This improved resilience will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance forest ecosystem services, including increased carbon sequestration, water retention, and recreational value.

The projects specific objectives are to:

Demonstrate the effective implementation of a climate-adapted forest management approach for multiple local conditions;

Involve the national forest management community in the development of climate-resilient forests throughout the Netherlands, with transnational spin-offs; and

Demonstrate and build the business case for Continuous Cover Forestry, a well-proven approach in other EU Member States, in Dutch forests for improving climate resilience.

Furthermore, the project will contribute to a range of EU policy objectives, including the direct implementation of the LULUCF Regulation as part of the 2030 climate and energy framework, and the EU Adaptation Strategy to climate change. The project will also help implement the EU Biodiversity Strategy Target 1 (Protect species and habitats) and Target 2 (Maintain and restore ecosystems), and indirectly contribute to the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive by enabling an increase in soil moisture capacity.

RESULTS

Expected results:

Develop a blueprint management plan and subsequent tailored climate smart management plans for each demonstration site;

Initiate development towards climate resilience in 13 forest sites of approximately 30 ha each, and further develop 685 ha on 7 already partially adaptive forest sites (totalsurface area: 1 089 ha);

Share knowledge to 100 foresters and participatively demonstrate planning and implementation of climate smart measures for a broad range of local conditions;

Ensure replication by coaching 35 foresters towards effective climate smart strategy; and

Build a climate smart forest management Community of Practice between forest managers and researchers at Dutch and EU levels.