Assisted migration of tree species and genetic resources
Climate change is directly affecting the health of our forests. Many trees are not adapted to the climate conditions anticipated in the coming years, leaving them vulnerable to water scarcity during prolonged summer droughts and making them more susceptible to diseases. This issue is evident not only in Flanders but across Europe. To help forests better withstand these changing conditions, planting non-native but ecologically compatible tree species and introducing native trees from more southern areas can be an effective strategy. These species, which may currently be at the edge of their natural range here, could thrive with active planting efforts. While this approach isn’t new, it remains in an experimental stage across Europe.
INBO is participating in the MigFoRest project, co-funded by the European Interreg North-West Europe programme. This project brings together partners from France, Germany and Belgium to apply guided migration of tree species and genetic material in seven forest areas across north-western Europe. What is unique about this project is the large-scale collaboration, sharing knowledge, exchanging genetic material and taking joint actions to create healthy, sustainable forest ecosystems now and in the future.
Image above: species-rich forest(© Gabriel Picard, Wikimedia)