Austria’s forests are facing major changes due to climate change: Rising temperatures and longer periods of drought are challenging the forestry and timber industry.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management (BMLUK) has therefore funded numerous research projects as part of the Forest Fund. The results were presented at a conference at BOKU University in Vienna on October 14, 2025.
The event, a cooperation between the Federal Research Center for Forests (BFW), BOKU University and the Austrian Forest Dialogue, dealt with important questions of forest management: How can we use the genetic diversity of our forests to adapt them to changing climate conditions? Which tree species - from native to alternative - are particularly suitable for the future?
the Federal Ministry wants to promote forests that are ecologically valuable, economically viable and stable. One focus of the Forest Fund is therefore to adapt forests to climate change. The research results from measure 8 provide an important basis for this. They help to develop concrete and future-oriented steps and implement them effectively in practice," says Federal Minister Norbert Totschnig
Projects on forest genetics, forest plant production and forest ecology
The speakers at the Forest Dialogue event emphasized the importance of genetic resources, seed quality and choice of origin for the development of climate-fit forests. Using new methods of genome research and high-performance phenotyping of seedlings, the adaptability of important tree species such as oak, fir, spruce and others could be investigated. "Forest managers are asking themselves which tree species and origins they should focus on in the future. Forest genetics can provide answers to this, for example through improved provenance recommendations," explains Peter Mayer, Head of the BFW. There are differences within a tree species, for example in terms of drought tolerance.
The most extensive of the Waldfonds genetics projects bundled six sub-projects under the leadership of BFW and BOKU University. They deal with the establishment of new areas of origin for spruce, maple and Douglas fir, the quality and genetic diversity of Douglas fir, the documentation and analysis of previous plantings of non-native forest tree species, the drought tolerance of spruce and the use of hydrogels and fertilizers during planting.
climate change poses enormous challenges for the Austrian forestry industry. BOKU research provides the scientific basis for keeping our forests resilient, species-rich and productive. The Forest Fund is a key driver for this - it connects science, practice and politics and enables the development of sustainable strategies for the future," emphasized Gerhard Mannsberger, Vice Rector of BOKU University.
The researchers also presented the concept of climatic analog regions as a decision-making aid for the selection of tree species and discussed the potential of mixed stands, wild fruit and alternative tree species for increasing biodiversity and resilience. Another focus was on site-appropriate management, for example in timber harvesting
Facts about the forest fund
The 7th Forest Fund was adopted as a package for the future of Austria’s forests and has a total budget of 430 million euros.
In measure 8, "Research measures on climate-friendly forests", eleven projects on forest genetics, forest seeds and seedlings, tree species selection and forest ecology were supported.
The aim of this measure is to develop scientific principles and practical solutions, to better prepare Austria’s forests for the challenges of climate change and to provide support in adapting to climate change.
A total of ten calls have already been carried out under Measure 8 and funding for projects totaling around 40 million euros has been granted.
Over the past four years, the funded research projects have provided numerous new scientific and practical insights for the active, sustainable and climate-friendly management of Austrian forests.
BOKU: Bettina Fernsebner-Kokert, bettina.fernsebner(at)boku.ac.at , 0664 885 86 531