Climate change and other global pressures are putting forests at risk, making it crucial to find ways to help forests bounce back after disturbances. A new RESONATE study reviewed over 300 scientific papers to understand what makes forests resilient: Global Change Biology | Environmental Change Journal | Wiley Online Library. Our researchers found two main types of resilience factors: predictors that can be influenced by forest management (like planting diverse trees), and codrivers that can’t be controlled, such as climate. The analysis showed that biodiversity — especially forests with a mix of species and natural, non-planted areas — is the most important factor for resilience. While certain management actions (like controlled burning or selective cutting) can improve forest health, their effectiveness depends on local conditions. Some actions, like pest control, can even harm biodiversity. The study suggests using a thoughtful, tailored approach to forest management that focuses on protecting and restoring biodiversity, which is key to helping forests survive and adapt in a changing world.
Reference:
Pilar Hurtado, Josep Maria Espelta, Luciana Jaime, Jordi Martínez-Vilalta, Manto Samou Kokolaki, Marcus Lindner, Francisco Lloret. 2025. Biodiversity and Management as Central Players in the Network of Relationships Underlying Forest Resilience. Global Change Biology, Volume 31, Issue 5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.70196
