WSL involved in Horizon project on forest genetics

Faced with the challenges posed to forests by climate change, new European policies call for increased efforts to restore forest ecosystems through massive tree plantations by 2030, in full respect of ecological principles. This objective can only be achieved if forest genetic resources (FGR) and Forest reproductive material (FRM) such as fruits, seeds, cones and plant parts are protected and sustainably managed while establishing a well-developed nursery sector to support planting and restoration efforts. The Horizon Europe OptFORESTS project aims to generate new knowledge in this field, systematise data and create network partnerships for the production, deployment, management and conservation of diversified and adaptable FGR and FRM in the face of climate change. The main mission of OptFORESTS over the next 5 years (2022-2027) is to ensure a greater number of species-rich (natural or plantation) and well-managed forests in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change. To this end, it will conduct research on the selection of diverse FRM, including mixtures of species and provenances, adapted to future climates, promote the sustainable use and resilience of natural forests by testing and implementing new forest management adapted to mixed forests that will maintain high genetic diversity, help expand and diversify nursery production, and develop nature-based solutions (NBS) relying on FGR, tools (e.g., expanded Information Systems by linking EUFGIS with FOREMATIS , the European FRM Information System) and cultural trajectories to promote forest biodiversity and ecosystem services.