A recent article published by Horizon, the EU Research & Innovation Magazine, explores how increasing tree diversity could help Europe’s forests better withstand climate change, pests, diseases and wildfires.
The article focuses on the Horizon Europe project OptFORESTS, which is investigating how genetic diversity and a broader range of tree species can support the development of more resilient forests across Europe. Through long-term field trials and collaboration with forest managers, researchers are exploring how forests can be better prepared for future environmental challenges.
One of the project’s core research themes is understanding how tree diversity can help address the interconnected challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Across its case studies and research activities, this is closely related to the work we do in Trees4Adapt, where we investigate how different tree-based solutions can support ecosystem resilience, reduce climate-related risks, and deliver benefits for both nature and people.
The Horizon article also highlights the importance of considering diversity at multiple scales, from genetic diversity within species to landscape-level diversity. This aligns closely with Trees4Adapt’s focus on understanding how different forest management approaches and tree-based solutions perform under different environmental conditions across Europe.
As climate change continues to place increasing pressure on European forests, initiatives such as OptFORESTS and Trees4Adapt are helping build the scientific knowledge needed to support more resilient and biodiversity-friendly landscapes.
Read the full Horizon Magazine article here: The hidden biodiversity battle to save Europe’s forests