ONEforest Poster Exhibition at FoWiTa 2023
From September 11th to 13th, the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research WSL, in collaboration with its partner, the University of Ljubljana (ULJ), showcased an illuminating poster titled "Managing Alpine Forests with Close-to-Nature Forestry to Enhance Climate Change Mitigation and Multifunctionality" at the Forest Science Conference, FoWiTa 2023.
The poster encapsulated the findings of the Alpine Case Study Region, a joint research endeavor conducted by WSL and ULJ. This collaborative effort sought to shed light on the intricate relationship between forest management practices and their profound impact on climate change mitigation and the multifaceted role of forests in our ecosystems. Here is an overview of the key insights presented:
- Climate-Sensitive Forest Growth Simulations: The study employed the simulator ForClim to conduct simulations at two distinct case study sites in the Swiss and Slovenian Alps. These simulations provided valuable insights into how climate change influences forest growth patterns, enabling us to make informed decisions about future forest management.
- Evaluating Impacts on Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity: By evaluating the effects of climate change and various forest management strategies, the research delved into the intricate web of interactions within forest ecosystems.
- Close-to-Nature Forestry: A central focus of the study was the performance assessment of close-to-nature forestry practices and its variants concerning climate change mitigation potential, particularly in terms of carbon sequestration and multifunctionality . This evaluation illuminated the critical role that sustainable, close-to-nature forestry plays in enhancing our forests' ability to sequester carbon, thus mitigating the impacts of climate change. Besides, forests are not only carbon reservoirs but also serve various functions such as recreation, water regulation, and habitat provision. The research emphasized the importance of considering the multifunctionality of forests in management decisions, striking a balance between various ecological, social, and economic objectives.
In summary, the ONEforest poster presentation at FoWiTa 2023 offered a comprehensive exploration of how Alpine forests can be managed with a close-to-nature forestry approach to enhance their capacity for climate change mitigation and multifunctionality. These insights have far-reaching implications for the sustainable management of forests in a changing world, emphasizing the need for holistic and adaptive strategies that ensure forests continue to thrive and provide invaluable services to humanity and the environment.
The poster is available here.
