In an era marked by escalating climate crises and unprecedented biodiversity loss, the challenge of forest management has gained renewed urgency. The question of how to sustain forests so that they concurrently preserve biodiversity, sequester carbon, and uphold rural livelihoods is a complex balancing act with no singular solution. Pioneering this intricate endeavor is the FORbEST project, a multi-actor initiative that integrates scientific innovation, stakeholder engagement, and advanced monitoring technologies. The project brings together researchers, forest owners, policymakers, and citizens to co-create practical forest management strategies that address ecological and socioeconomic objectives seamlessly.
The FORbEST project is set against the backdrop of global environmental agendas aiming to mitigate climate change and protect natural ecosystems. Funded by the European Union’s ambitious Horizon programme, FORbEST challenges traditional forest management paradigms by embedding interdisciplinary collaboration in its core. The project specifically seeks to identify and rigorously test management approaches that optimize biodiversity conservation and carbon storage—the twin pillars of ecological sustainability—while simultaneously securing the economic viability of rural livelihoods and incorporating climate adaptation strategies.
An innovative feature of FORbEST is its deployment of six “Living Labs” distributed across diverse ecological and social contexts in Europe and Asia. These Living Labs serve as interactive arenas where various stakeholders actively partake in research design, data collection, and scenario analysis. This participatory approach ensures that forest management practices are not only scientifically robust but also socially legitimate and contextually relevant. By fostering dialogue and cooperation between scientists, local communities, and policymakers, Living Labs make forest research more impactful and adaptable to real-world challenges.
Ecological heterogeneity is a critical consideration within FORbEST’s experimental framework. The project’s Living Labs span five distinct biogeographic regions in Finland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Italy, complemented by a tropical forest setting in Thailand. This biogeographic breadth allows researchers to capture a wide spectrum of forest types, climatic conditions, and socioeconomic settings, thereby enhancing the transferability and scalability of management strategies. It also provides an unparalleled opportunity to study forest responses to climate change across temperate and tropical ecosystems concurrently.
Advanced scientific methodologies underpin the project’s data collection and analysis processes. Among these, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling stands out as a cutting-edge technique that allows for the detection and monitoring of biodiversity through genetic material left in the environment. Coupled with sophisticated carbon flux measurements and biodiversity monitoring tools, eDNA facilitates comprehensive ecosystem assessment at unprecedented resolution. These methodologies generate rich datasets that feed into dynamic forest ecosystem models, simulating future scenarios under various management and climate trajectories.
The modeling platform developed by the FORbEST consortium integrates ecological, social, and economic data streams to simulate forest development and assess trade-offs across competing objectives. This multi-criteria simulation approach enables stakeholders to examine how different forest management practices influence carbon sequestration potential, species diversity, and livelihoods over time. By quantifying these complex interactions, the project supports evidence-based policymaking aimed at harmonizing environmental conservation with rural economic development.
In addition to empirical and modeling advancements, FORbEST pioneers participatory tools to facilitate mutual understanding among stakeholders. A notable innovation in this regard is the design of a game-based decision support system. This interactive tool graphically illustrates the intricate choices involved in forest management, fostering dialogue and consensus-building among diverse actors. Such an approach not only democratizes knowledge but also empowers forest communities and decision-makers to collaboratively explore sustainable futures, moving beyond traditional top-down governance models.
The institutional and collaborative breadth of the FORbEST project is equally impressive. The consortium comprises 18 organizations spanning research universities, ecological centers, and governmental agencies from Europe and Asia, including prominent institutions such as the Universities of Bologna, Milan, Tuscia, and Chiang Mai University. This multinational cooperation exemplifies a truly transdisciplinary and cross-cultural endeavor, combining diverse expertise in ecological science, forestry economics, and social governance to address challenges rooted in complex socio-ecological systems.
Key ecological concerns lie at the heart of FORbEST’s mission—particularly the dual objectives of biodiversity preservation and carbon sequestration amidst escalating pressures wrought by climate change. Forests represent critical carbon sinks, yet their degradation or mismanagement can exacerbate emissions and biodiversity loss. By identifying management practices that enhance both carbon storage and species richness, FORbEST aims to support forest resilience, safeguarding ecosystem services critical for human wellbeing and climate regulation.
Moreover, recognizing forests as socio-ecological systems, the project foregrounds the indispensable role of rural livelihoods. Forestry-dependent communities often face economic uncertainties, and sustainable forest management necessitates strategies that align ecological goals with social equity and economic opportunity. The project’s emphasis on participatory research and incentive development aspires to craft pathways that strengthen forest economies without compromising environmental integrity.
The anticipated outputs of FORbEST include scalable roadmaps and policy recommendations tailored to diverse forest contexts. These practical guidelines will enable land management organizations to implement adaptive strategies that reconcile climatic, biodiversity, and socioeconomic objectives effectively. Additionally, the project intends to develop economic valuation frameworks for ecosystem services, fostering incentive mechanisms that reward forest stewardship and promote sustainable practices.
By harnessing near real-time data acquisition technologies and integrating multidisciplinary expertise, FORbEST stands to significantly transform forest management paradigms. Its comprehensive approach exemplifies how collaborative science can produce nuanced insights essential for managing natural resources in an era of rapid environmental change. The project’s pioneering ethos and systematic integration of stakeholders and methodologies position it at the frontier of sustainable forest governance and climate adaptation.
As the project progresses, its transformative potential lies not only in its scientific outputs but also in embedding innovation into forest governance structures. By enabling more precise, data-driven decisions and fostering inclusive participation, FORbEST aspires to model a new era of forest stewardship—one that is resilient, equitable, and scientifically informed. This aligns closely with global environmental goals and the urgent need for adaptive management in complex natural landscapes.
Looking forward, the successes and lessons from FORbEST will contribute significantly to broader ecological restoration and climate mitigation efforts worldwide. Its cross-continental scope, integration of advanced technologies like eDNA, and focus on participatory methodologies provide a template for global forest conservation initiatives. Ultimately, FORbEST exemplifies the convergence of cutting-edge science, stakeholder engagement, and pragmatic governance in safeguarding the planet’s forests for generations to come.
Subject of Research: Sustainable forest management strategies optimizing biodiversity, carbon storage, and rural livelihoods under climate change.
Article Title: Collaborative Innovations in Forest Management: The FORbEST Project’s Pioneering Approach to Biodiversity and Carbon Preservation
News Publication Date: Not specified
Web References:
https://www.oulu.fi/en/projects/forbest-safeguarding-carbon-and-biodiversity-across-european-forest-ecosystems-through-multi-actor
Keywords:
Forest management, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, climate change adaptation, ecosystem services, participatory research, Living Labs, environmental DNA (eDNA), sustainable livelihoods, forest modeling, EU Horizon programme, transdisciplinary collaboration.
