Restoring Europe's Forests Through Genetic Diversity

• The EU-funded OptFORESTS project is testing 12 tree species across 28 European locations to identify genetic mixtures resilient to climate change.
• Forests, which cover 43% of EU land, face severe threats from droughts, insect infestations, and wildfires.
• Researchers emphasize that increasing genetic and species diversity functions as a "biological backup system" to mitigate ecosystem collapse.

The Role of Genetic Diversity

• Genetic diversity provides resilience at multiple scales, from local plots to entire countries.
• Mixed species forests, such as combining oaks with pines, can significantly reduce fire intensity and damage.
• Using diverse tree species can prevent the vulnerabilities associated with traditional, economically driven monocultures.

Overcoming Forestry Challenges

• The project is actively working to diversify the nursery sector, which currently focuses on a limited range of commercial species like Norway spruce and beech.
• Researchers are building capacity for less common species and providing tools for foresters to select better-adapted seed sources for future climate conditions.
• Successful pilots include breeding trees resistant to ash dieback in Norway and experimental restocking projects in Slovenia.

Long-term Strategy

• OptFORESTS integrates genetic data into forest growth models to simulate long-term ecological outcomes.
• Project leaders highlight the necessity of an international, cross-border approach, as some regions face climate impacts today that others will encounter in the coming decade.
• The central objective is a "mindset shift" among forest managers to accept that future forests will differ from the past and to prioritize genetic diversity as a century-long investment.