SYCOMORE Conference: Adapting temperate forest management to climate change: from assessment to solutions

An alarming observation: forest health in decline

Long-term monitoring of forests reveals a progressive deterioration in tree health worldwide, mostly due to climate change, which ultimately leads to forest loss. European forests are no exception and there is a growing concern about the ability of major ecosystems such as oak and pine forests, to withstand more frequent and intense droughts, heat waves and fires. Declining trees become more vulnerable to pests (such as pine wood nematode), diseases (such as acute oak disease or red band needle blight on pines) and forest fires.

Tree dieback also leads to the loss of many valuable ecosystem services:

• The production of high quality woood (such as oak for consturction or wine barrels)
• The essential role of forests as carbon sinks
• Their cultural and ecological significance, particularly in providing habitats for biodiversity 
   

Conference programme 

The objectives of this conference, funded by the Sycomore ARD CVL programme, cover the following subjects:

• Monitoring forest health, from ground observations to satellite imaging
• Identifying factors contributing to forest dieback
• Assessing the consequences of forest dieback on tree growth, forest functioning, biodiversity and forest hazards
• Managing forests affected by tree dieback
• Identifying new genetic varieties better suited for future climate conditions
• Adapting regeneration and planting practices to increase their chances of success
• Exploring the perspectives of professionals and citizens on the impact of climate change on forests as well as their own adaptation strategies for future challenges

Practical information

• Dates: 10-13 June 2025
• Venue: Hotel Dupanloup
  1 rue Dupanloup
  45000 Orleans
• Language: English
• Find out more >>