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What if a forest that looks dead is actually the beginning of something new?
On 1 October 2026, we invite journalists to travel to Czechia to investigate how Europe’s forests are changing — and to question some of the assumptions we have about what a healthy forest should look like. Across Central Europe, forests are being transformed by bark beetle outbreaks, powerful windstorms and prolonged drought. The result can be dramatic: vast areas of damaged or dead trees that appear, at first glance, to be landscapes of destruction.
But the story may be more complicated.
Some disturbed forests are becoming the starting point for new ecosystems. And as climate change alters forests across Europe, researchers and forest managers are reconsidering a fundamental question: Should we intervene — or let nature take its course?
Velká Bíteš site Bark beetle damage in Velká Bíteš site
Get into the forest As part of a study trip at the SDA Velká Bíteš site in Czechia, participants will walk through forests affected by bark beetle outbreaks and see first-hand how different management approaches are shaping the landscape. Some areas have been clear-cut, while others have been left to regenerate naturally. The trip brings journalists directly into conversation with researchers, forest managers and local stakeholders, offering opportunities to ask questions, challenge assumptions and develop potential stories.
Topics will include: • What actually happens to a forest after a major disturbance? • Are bark beetle outbreaks always a sign of forest degradation? • What can naturally regenerating forests tell us about the future? • How is climate change changing the way European forests are managed? • How can journalists explain environmental change when there is no simple story or single solution?
A reporting opportunity — not just a study visit The aim is not to present one definitive answer about how forests should be managed. Instead, the study trip offers an opportunity to encounter competing perspectives, examine the evidence and hear directly from people dealing with these changes on the ground. Journalists will have access to experts, potential interviewees, first-hand reporting experience and story ideas at the intersection of climate change, science and society. The event is organised by the European Forest Institute (EFI) in collaboration with the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) and local partners as part of the EFI-coordinated TRANSFORMIT project. Travel funding is available to support participation, including for freelance journalists — we only need a short email why you are interested. Reach out to gesche.schifferdecker[AT]efi.int for more information.
Do you have questions about forest restoration and its role in helping forests adapt to climate change? Are you curious to learn more about integrative forest management?
The recently launched Forest Knowledge Gateway is a dynamic knowledge base, continuously updated with new insights, tools, and practical guidance on forest restoration, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation and integrative forest management. Users can browse hundreds of resources by navigating a rich taxonomy organized by topic, restoration, management purpose, geographic region, and more.
The Forest Knowledge Gateway has been thoughtfully designed for four key forest stakeholder groups: Landowners & Practitioners, Planners & Implementers, Policy Actors, and Funders & Investors. Created by several experts, our stakeholder-targeted “Knowledge Pathways” guide users through a synthesis of the most relevant knowledge, resources, and tools to support specific needs.
One of our latest additions is The Restoration Marketplace. This platform, linked to the Gateway, helps match nature-positive projects with potential funders. Landowners can use the Marketplace to make their proposed projects visible to funders, and investors can discover innovative nature-based projects.
Finally, if you need help finding something, you can use our Frog Bot, an AI-powered assistant that guides you to relevant information, tools, and resources. It answers questions, provides quick links, and supports multiple languages – making it easier to navigate the Gateway and discover what you are looking for.
The Forest Knowledge Gateway is led by the European Forest Institute. It has been developed in close collaboration with a wide range of research and practice organizations, co-designed with key stakeholders, and supported by policy actors. Initially created as part of the EU Horizon 2020 project SUPERB, the Gateway will continue to be maintained and further developed by TRANSFORMIT.
It was the morning of 22 September 2025 when the TRANSFORMIT team gathered at the hotel, shaking off the early chill before boarding the bus to the forest. Inside, a gentle mix of English, Czech, Finnish, and Chinese filled the air – voices from across continents united by a shared curiosity about the forest. Greeted by the Czech management team and our hosts, Petr and Miro, we were soon immersed in the story of Samechov – a place where ecological forestry is not just discussed but lived. Inspired by ideas developed by Jerry F. Franklin and colleagues in the United States, the approach here follows the rhythms of nature itself, using natural disturbance regimes as a model and treating the forest as both classroom and teacher. By the time we stepped beneath the canopy, the concept ofIntegrated Forest Management had transformed from words into something tangible.
Although the area is naturally dominated by beech, only about 29% of the forest reflects that today – the rest remains shaped by the long-standing spruce monocultures typical for the region. Against that backdrop, the beech stands appeared as pearls in a spruce storm.
Petr and Miro explained that ecological forestry in Samechov aims to restore natural diversity – using biodiversity not as a goal, but as a driver for other ecosystem functions. Natural regeneration plays a key role in promoting this variety, alongside a mix of management approaches rather than relying on just one. This creates structural diversity and resilience, supported by core principles such as avoiding clearcuts, preserving veteran and habitat trees, and managing deadwood according to the “1:10 rule” of biomass retention.
As we walked deeper into the forest, the discussions turned lively. Participants compared ecological and economic criteria, debated the challenges of financing mixed forests, and talked about risk management in a changing climate.
“Natural variability is the best key for resilience,” one of the hosts reminded us – a phrase that lingered throughout the day.
Later stops revealed the practical side of this philosophy. We visited stands where old spruce and pine had been logged, leaving space for light-demanding species like maple and beech to thrive. In other areas, small unmanaged patches showed that sometimes the best management decision is to simply let nature take its course, allowing habitats for fungi, lichens, beetles, bats, and endangered species to thrive.
The afternoon brought us to younger stands, where foresters are experimenting with Variable Density Thinning – a technique that mimics natural disturbances by creating varied light and gap conditions. While sometimes controversial, this approach breaks the monotony of even-aged stands and strengthens long-term resilience.
The day ended in a nearby nature reserve – an awe-inspiring old-growth beech forest where management stops and nature takes over. Surrounded by centuries-old trees, deadwood, and rich biodiversity, participants could see the principles of ecological forestry in their purest form. “We are standing inside the very template that guides our management,” someone noted quietly as the group stood beneath the tall beeches.
Another milestone
Four representatives of Satellite Demonstration Areas (SDA) from Norway, Italy and Germany joined the meeting, further expanding the Living Lab network. In total, 31 SDAs have now committed to contribute their experiences and sites to the project – a crucial step to bring even more perspectives and practical examples into our collaboration.
The second day was dedicated to in-depth discussions in parallel working groups:
One group explored policy frameworks, comparing how Europe and China define and apply IFM, and identifying indicators that could be shared across contexts.
Another focused on decision-support tools – what’s needed to provide tools for researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers, and the potential of a joint platform
A third group worked on international collaboration, brainstorming ideas for joint publications, trainings, study trips, and exchanges between Living Labs.
The communication group looked at practical ways to stay better connected through joint webinars, newsletters, and closer links between project websites.
Deepening the dialogue
On the third day, discussions turned practical – and forward-looking. Participants split into groups to explore key challenges the project faces: how to bring IFM to life, how to strengthen internal communication, and how to engage more people beyond the project’s core network.
One group tackled one of the biggest questions: how can IFM be implemented under real economic and institutional conditions? The conversation circled around market realities (where timber prices still dominate) and the limited budgets of public forests. Participants agreed that ecosystem services like carbon storage or biodiversity need to become more than just ideals; they must also make economic sense. They highlighted that IFM isn’t just about balance, but also about resilience: by diversifying outputs and approaches, forests can better withstand both ecological and financial uncertainty. To move forward, they saw a need for stronger advisory services, supportive legal frameworks, and clearer communication of the benefits IFM brings.
Another group focused on internal communication and project engagement – a challenge when partners are spread across continents. Language barriers, different expectations, and even practical issues like visa requirements for Chinese colleagues often stand in the way. The group suggested creating a shared event roadmap, distinguishing between online meetings for research and in-person events for practitioners, and updating contact lists to make roles and responsibilities more visible. The message was clear: communication works best when it’s coordinated, open, and easy to navigate.
The third group looked outward and asked the following question: whose voices are we still missing? They pointed to schools, NGOs, media, and policymakers as key groups that could help spread understanding of IFM and its benefits. Ideas ranged from inviting journalists to Living Labs, to producing simple and translated materials, to bringing policymakers directly into the forest. The group agreed that engagement should be proactive. Instead of waiting for stakeholders to come to us, we should invite them in. Firsthand experience, after all, is what turns curiosity into commitment.
A living example of nature-led forestry
The meeting wrapped up with the visit to the Satellite Demonstration Area Velká Bíteš, a landscape that tells its own story of transformation. The forests here are owned by seven municipalities and managed by the Forest Cooperative of the Union of Municipalities.
The forest management style presented on the excursion is a “freestyle” or ecological forestry approach that emphasises natural processes and respects ecological principles and wildlife. Implementing IFM here means working with nature – focusing on recovery, regeneration, and deadwood management – an approach still rather unusual for this area.
Disturbances affecting the SDA also endangered the local population economically, so actions were needed. The drought and the outbreak of bark beetles wiped out almost all the spruce monocultures. But it also created opportunities for a new style of forest management in accordance with the recommendation of Czech forest scientists. Instead of replanting spruce monocultures, foresters decided to let nature take its course. Now, there is birch succession alongside other pioneer tree species like maple, oak and rowan, full of red berries. Rather than harvesting all the affected trees, foresters decided to leave some in place to foster biodiversity, protect soil and, most importantly, shield surviving trees and prevent clearcuttings and costs. The forest is now full of life. Among the deciduous trees, there are many bird species – including some that are endangered – along with wild animals and mushrooms. The remaining spruce stands still mark the areas where they were once planted.
As forester Jirka Nohel, who guided the visit, explained, this approach now offers a model for resilience that others can learn from. The Pro Silva president gave positive feedback on the management approach, predicting it could one day make its way into textbooks.
This project meeting clearly showed that while Europe and China may have different historical and political contexts, they face similar challenges – from climate change to economic frameworks and balancing forest protection with use. The excursion, the new SDA partnerships, and the lively discussions demonstrated the great value of international collaboration.
With 31 Satellite Demonstration Areas on board, an expanding network, and fresh ideas, we are well prepared to take the next steps – to further develop and implement Integrated Forest Management together in practice.
Text: Martina Kičić, Petr Kjučukov, Katharina Freund, Silvester Boonen, Daria Kononenko
Pictures: Petr Kjučukov, Shanqing Gao, Daria Kononenko
A comprehensive new study Integrating nature and people in European forest management: what is the state of nature conservation and role of participation? spanning twelve European countries reveals a significant shift in forest management: societal demands are increasingly favoring conservation and participatory policymaking. The research was conducted by TRANSFORMIT researchers Agata Konczal and Georg Winkel (both University of Wageningen) together with scientists from all over Europe. The work combined natural and social science perspectives, and explored how integrating nature conservation into forest management is becoming the dominant approach across Europe.
The study found that European countries are dedicating more forest areas to conservation, while also carefully managing how much wood is harvested compared to how much the forest grows. This shows a thoughtful approach to balancing the use of forest resources with protecting nature. Additionally, forest policies are paying much more attention to conservation issues than before.
However, the relationship between public participation in policy development and the integration of conservation measures is complex. While participatory decision-making is on the rise, its direct impact on conservation outcomes varies across regions.
The authors call for further research to better understand these dynamics and to support the ongoing evolution of forest management practices. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, forest managers, and communities aiming to harmonize ecological, economic, and social goals in Europe’s forests.
Full reference: Konczal, A.A.; De Koning, J.H.C.; Larsen, J.B.; Felton, A.; Lawrence, A.; Ammer, CH.; Angelstam, P.; De Arano, I.Martinez; Bjärstig, T.; Blondet, M.; Calviño-Cancela, M.; De Vreese, R.; Dolriis, C.; Jaroszewicz, B.; Johansson, J.; Lexer, M.J.; Nichiforel, L.; Niedziakowski, K.; Paillet, Y.; Rozylowicz, L.; Sotirov, M.; Stokes, V.; Thorsen, B. Jellesmark; Vandekerkhove, K.; Wallin, I.; Weiss, G.; Schulz, T.; Wohlgemuth, T.; Zlatanov, T.; Winkel, G. (2025): Integrating nature and people in European forest management: what is the state of nature conservation and role of participation? International Forestry Review. https://doi.org/10.1505/146554825840319564
The Langau forest, situated at 1,050 meters above sea level in southern Lower Austria, evolved through centuries of varied human use and forest management. One of its most recent management approaches was the close-to-nature one. How was this approach applied in a mountainous region known for its challenging conditions, where continuous forestry can be particularly difficult, and where soils have been degraded by centuries of previous land use? What did 20 years of close-to-nature forest management look like in the Langau forest?
Close-to-nature forest management, Austria
Case study from How to Balance Forestry and Biodiversity Conservation
The 2024 edition of Open Living Lab Days (OLLD24), the flagship annual event organized by the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL), brought together diverse audiences from living labs, public administration, corporations, small and medium businesses, academia, and many innovators worldwide. The event offers a unique platform for networking, exchanging best practices, collaborating on cutting-edge projects, and reflecting on the latest trends and how to shape the future.
This year’s OLLD24 was held in Timisoara, Romania, from 24-27 September 2024, in collaboration with the West University of Timisoara. Throughout the conference, attendees engaged in various interactive and research sessions, workshops, and site visits. They explored how Living Labs tackle major societal challenges and play a vital role in shaping policymaking and governance within innovation ecosystems.
Our Dijana Vuletić, as one of the four panelists, presented the TRANSFORMIT project and our Living Labs network in one of the conference’s panel discussion named “One Year into the Mission Soil: achievements, Lessons Learned, and Future Opportunities for the Living Lab Community”. Dijana introduced our main project goals, with a focus on the importance of the Living Labs network in the scope of our project. She also expressed the desire to keep the network active after the project ends, emphasizing on potential synergies between the TRANSFORMIT Living Labs and the Mission Soil’s forest-focused Soil Health Living Labs. By combining the effort, there is an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness and growth of both networks.
Check here the publication developed by SOILL and NATI00NS summarising the key insights from this session!
List of speakers (in order from left to the right)
