Strengthening the foundations for future forests

EFI Member organisation, the Slovenian Forestry Institute, opened their new Centre for Seeds, Nurseries and Forest Protection in Ljubljana on 9 March.

The centre will strengthen research on forest reproductive material, forest nursery production and forest protection. It comprises over 2,510 m² of new research, laboratory and support facilities, including seed processing and storage, genetic conservation through a forest seed bank, and capacity for improved monitoring and diagnostics of forest pests and diseases.

These capacities are increasingly important as forests face growing pressures from climate change and disturbances. Forest restoration using genetically appropriate forest reproductive material is essential, while there is a growing need to develop cultivation systems that ensure the highest possible establishment and survival rates of planted seedlings. The new Centre supports close-to-nature forest management and promotes species and genetic diversity of forests.

The building, funded within the framework of Slovenia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Climate Change Fund, was constructed using sustainable, natural materials with a low carbon footprint and high recyclability and incorporates a green roof system.

EFI Director, Robert Mavsar, attended the opening ceremony and gave his congratulations to the Institute on this important milestone. He also looked forward to welcoming the forest science community back to Ljubljana for the EFI Annual Conference in 2027.