EFI and WUR create new EFI Research Network
EFI and Wageningen Environmental Research, WUR have signed an agreement to create a new EFI Research Network on Climate Smart Forestry.
Given the large need for exchange and information concerning mitigation and adaptation of European forests to climate change, WUR started an initial phase of a climate smart forestry network in early 2020. During the start-up years the CSF network has been funded by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Food Quality.
Research Network Coordinator Gert-Jan Nabuurs said: “There is an increasing awareness in Europe that we will rely more and more on our own natural resources in the future. Therefore we need to manage our forests in a climate smart way now that the impacts of climate change become very apparent”. Bas Lerink from Wageningen added: “we noticed from the start-up years a large enthusiasm to exchange between and learn from each other. There is a great need for practical experiences to be shared, as well as taking up information into University curricula."
So far there was only scattered experience and knowledge available. The new Climate Smart Forestry Network will contribute to the implementation of the EFI Resilience and Bioeconomy Strategy themes. It aims to identify potential Climate Smart Forestry measures, assess broadly their mitigation, adaptation and services impacts, and exchange knowledge through networking activities (meetings, webinars, etc), laying the basis for upscaling and implementation.
The new Climate Smart Forestry Network is coordinated by Wageningen Environmental Research with the support of 19 other partners. These include Luke, Neiker, University of Cumbria, EUFORGEN, WSL, IFER, Forest Research, University of Milan, University of Brasov, Landlife Company, University of Freiburg, Czech University of Life Sciences, NMBU, University of Bolsano, University of Molise, SLU, University of Belgrade, and SILAVA.
EFI has three other research networks, the Forest Bioeconomy Network, the Forest Policy Research Network and the Planted Forests Network. Research networks include EFI member organisations and other research partners, and aim to enhance European and/or regional scientific cooperation and coordination of transnational research.
More information: Research Network Coordinator, Gert-Jan Nabuurs
