New publication: Balancing nature, economy, and society
Forests are under growing pressure – from climate extremes and invasive pests to rising wood demand and biodiversity loss. In a new article, Prof. Dr. Andreas Rigling (ETH Zurich) explains how integrated forest management can help forests navigate these changes while still providing vital ecosystem services.
Photos: Gesche Schifferdecker. Integrative forest management approaches in Aachen, Germany, and in Horst aan der Maas, Netherlands
Rather than relying on either multifunctional or segregative strategies alone, integrated forest management brings the two together. It supports natural regeneration, encourages structural and species diversity, and provides temporary or permanent protection for certain areas when needed. This balanced approach helps forest managers adapt to different local conditions while meeting ecological, economic, and social needs.
The Horizon Europe project TRANSFORMIT – which is also introduced in the article – is working with Living Labs across Europe to test and co-develop these approaches with forest managers, scientists, policymakers and communities.
Learn more in the full article
Reference: Rigling A (2025) The importance of integrated forest management. Open Access Government, July 2025, 426-427. ISSN 2516-3817