Session: Dynamik und Anpassung der Naturwälder an den Klimawandel / Dynamics and Adaptation of Natural Forests to Climate Change

Beschreibung / Description

Increased frequency of drought years with alarming forest decline is challenging forestry and society. The longevity of forest ecosystems as well as the extent and ecological diversity of forest areas hinder the attribution of causes and effects of the decline. Foresters, organisations and public are struggling for adequate reactions to the crisis. While areas left to natural forest development (NFD) have often been perceived in terms of biodiversity conservation, climate change calls for reconsidering their role as a reference for forest management. NFD-areas are the only ones, where mortality of trees and stands and their effect on forest development can be observed without interference of timber harvesting. Further, they are indispensable for deciding whether managed or natural forests exhibit higher resistance and resilience towards climate change and to what degree silvicultural adaptation measures can be replaced by self-organised forest dynamics. An integrated analysis of the development of NFD areas in conjunction with adjacent managed forests promises answers to related pressing questions.

This session will explore the crucial role of NFD reserves in adapting to climate change and enhancing forest resilience. We invite contributions from all fields of forest research, whether it be silviculture, vegetation science, animal ecology, dendrochronology, remote sensing or anything related. Our aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of how natural forests can serve as references for sustainable forest management practices amidst ongoing environmental challenges. Join us in this collaborative effort to tackle pressing questions and advance our understanding of forest dynamics in a changing climate.

Keywords: climate change, drought, forest management, gap dynamics, natural forests