Synergy and integration forest research

(Jeroen Mentens - Vildaphoto)

Details

We provide Flemish expertise in international long-term monitoring networks (forest condition, atmospheric deposition, unmanaged forests). Through our active role in ICP Forests, we use Flemish knowledge to address European challenges related to air pollution. We are active within Evoltree and represent Belgium at the European Forestry Institute, IPC-FAO and EUFORGEN, where we provide policy-preparatory knowledge and ensure that knowledge flows into European forest policy.

We investigate the suitability of tree and shrub species and provenances for (re)afforestation and forest conversion aimed at resilient forests (diseases, drought, wildfires). We are further expanding the forestry source material and the list of recommended provenances as a scientifically based tool for forest expansion in Flanders. We are consolidating the gene bank and living collections at our research centre in Grimminge (30 ha of trial fields).

We proactively offer results and products to policymakers and society, including early detection of diseases through our tree diagnosis centre.

We are broadening our knowledge of the impact of forest management on biodiversity, wood production and forest microclimate. We provide knowledge for policy on climate change in forests and scientifically based recommendations for forest expansion and the conversion of species-poor or structurally poor forests, which are most threatened by climate change.

We study the effects of nitrogen deposition on forest health and the sustainable conservation of European protected forests. We strengthen research into fast-growing tree species and broaden knowledge about carbon stocks and carbon sequestration in forests (above and below ground) with a view to implementing the European LULUCF Regulation and integrating carbon stocks into the forest compensation factor, an objective of the Flemish government. Unmanaged forest reserves serve as reference sites for carbon stocks and fluxes, for forest structure and species diversity, and for site characteristics (soil, microclimate, hydrology, etc.).

We coordinate two consultation structures on challenges for Flemish forests (Researchers' Platform and Users' Platform), thereby promoting knowledge transfer to practice and structural dialogue between policy, civil society and science.

Teams

• Forest Ecology and - Management
• Forestry Genetic Resources
• Environment and Climate
• Management Team
• Communication and Planning
• Nature & Society
• Genetic Diversity
• Biotope Diversity
• Wildlife Management and Invasive Species
• Biometry, Methodology and Quality Assurance
• Datamanagement
• Own Capital INBO
• Estuaries
• Nature Report and Advice Coordination
• Monitoring Programme for the Natural Environment

INBO Research theme(s)

• Forest
• Data & infrastructure
• Nature & society