How can more diverse forests help tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?
That was one of the key questions discussed during the first Trees4Adapt stakeholder workshop for Finnish Case Study, which was held in Pori in March 2026. The workshop brought together forest owners and managers, policymakers, researchers, businesses and environmental organisations to discuss the future of Finnish forests.
The Finnish case study focuses on forest diversification, increasing the variety of tree species in forests to improve resilience to climate change while supporting biodiversity. During the workshop, participants shared their views on climate and biodiversity risks facing forests in Southern Finland and discussed the opportunities and challenges linked to more diverse forest management.
A key workshop activity invited participants to rank and discuss statements related to forest management, biodiversity loss and climate change. While perspectives differed on some topics, there was broad agreement that mixed-species forests can help improve forest resilience and biodiversity outcomes.
Stakeholders also identified several barriers to forest diversification, including limited markets for broadleaved tree species, insufficient incentives, lack of expertise, and damage caused by deer and moose. At the same time, participants highlighted a number of opportunities, such as demonstration sites, new business opportunities and growing interest among younger forest owners in biodiversity and climate resilience.
The workshop confirmed that many stakeholders see forest diversification as an important part of adapting forests to future challenges. The discussions and feedback gathered will help shape future research and stakeholder engagement activities within the Finnish case study.
The next workshops will continue the conversation and provide opportunities to visit the Satakunta forest diversity experiments, where Trees4Adapt researchers are studying how different tree species combinations can influence forest resilience over the long term.