Research project seeking to answer the question 'Where will we put the new forest and how will we manage it in these rapidly changing times?' The project consists of two sub-projects, Vital Forest and Versatile Forest.
Online Open Day
19 March
Online Open Day
4 June
Online Open Day
19 March
Online Open Day
4 June
Research project seeking to answer the question 'Where will we put the new forest and how will we manage it in these rapidly changing times?' The project consists of two sub-projects, Vital Forest and Versatile Forest.
Dutch forests fulfil numerous societal functions. However, they are increasingly suffering from the effects of climate change, eutrophication, acidification, drought, and fragmentation. By 2030, an additional 30,000 hectares of forest must be established in the Netherlands according to European guidelines.
The Sustainable Forest Management project seeks to answer the question, "Where will we establish new forests, and how will we manage them in these rapidly changing times?" The project consists of two subprojects: Vital Forest and Versatile Forest.
The Versatile Forest project supports forest managers in their choices of management measures to achieve the desired goals and functions of forests. The focus is on the participatory process from society and new functions such as CO2 sequestration. The project investigates which management methods can be used to achieve optimal functionality in both existing and newly established forests in urban and rural areas.
The Vital Forest project provides managers with practical tools to enhance vitality within the specific conditions of their management units. Existing initiatives, such as the Climate-Smart Forest Management Toolkit, are evaluated for usability and completeness.
The project provides current and future forest managers with management guidelines and practical tools through the development of action perspectives. By testing and evaluating existing initiatives, managers receive improved instruments to increase and monitor the vitality and functionality of forests. Involving students in the process helps train the forest managers of the future.
Professor: Ute Sass-Klaassen, Sustainable Forest Management
Project duration: 2021 - 2025
Project partners: Aeres University of Applied Sciences, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, HAS University of Applied Sciences Den Bosch, Staatsbosbeheer, Probos Foundation, Borgman Management Consultancy, various Forest Groups, Buiting Consultancy, Staro Nature and Countryside, various municipalities and provinces, advocacy organisations.
This project is part of the Centre of Expertise Green.