FUNDIVEUROPE

Functional significance of forest biodiversity in Europe

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'FunDivEUROPE (FUNctional significance of forest bioDIVersity in EUROPE) proposes to quantify the effects of forest biodiversity on ecosystem function and services in major European forest types in the main bioclimatic regions of Europe. FunDivEUROPE will be based on four scientific platforms and seven cross-cutting Work Packages.

The project will combine a global network of tree diversity experiments (Experimental Platform) with a newly designed network of observational plots in six focal regions within Europe (Exploratory Platform). Additionally, the project will integrate an in-depth analysis of inventory-based datasets of existing forest monitoring networks to extend the scope to larger spatial and temporal scales (Inventory Platform). FunDivEUROPE will thus combine the strengths of various scientific approaches to explore and quantify the significance of forest biodiversity for a very large range of ecosystem processes and ecosystem services. Using modeling and state-of-the-art techniques for quantitative synthesis, the project will integrate information gained from the different platforms to assess the performance of pure and mixed species stands under changing climate. In addition to the three research platforms, FunDivEUROPE will set up a Knowledge Transfer Platform in order to foster communication, aggregation and synthesis of individual findings in the Work Packages and communication with stakeholders, policy makers and the wider public. The information gained should thus enable forest owners, forest managers and forest policy makers to adapt policies and management for sustainable use of forest ecosystems in a changing environment, capitalizing on the potential effects of biodiversity for ecosystem functioning. The experiences gained within FunDivEUROPE will finally allow contributing to the development of the European Long-Term Ecosystem Research Network, complementing existing forest observation and monitoring networks.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A major EU initiative is implementing a research programme to quantify the importance of forest biodiversity for ecosystem functions and services.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The importance of biodiversity is not only represented by the massive variety of fauna and flora on the planet but also by regulating the functioning of the planet's ecosystems. Scientists have been striving to understand the factors that govern this functioning through processes such as nutrient, carbon and water cycling. To this end the EU-funded project 'Functional significance of forest biodiversity in Europe' (FunDivEUROPE) is closely examining the role of different biodiversity impacts on forests and the various ecosystem services they can provide for human well-being.

Gathering scientists from 15 European countries, the project is investigating the influence of biodiversity on forest ecosystems to help policymakers, managers and stakeholders maintain this function. It is analysing tree diversity experiments in Finland, Germany, France and Belgium that have been planted within the last 10 years. In addition it is comparing plots in existing mature forests in six focal regions, which represent the diversity of European forests, from Boreal to Mediterranean. The six different forest regions lie in Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Romania and Finland.

In parallel, the project is compiling key data from national forest inventories, which include soil and climate variables. This will help scientists to better understand the influence of biodiversity on forest growth, mortality and regeneration. All these initiatives involve the establishment of a web-based knowledge transfer platform to explore and disseminate research findings. This will enable forest managers, governments and policymakers to adapt policies that advance the sustainable use of forest ecosystems.

To help achieve its aims, the project team has already prepared a network of comparative plots for scientists to visit and take measurements, leading to valuable data on numerous topics. These include tree growth, water and nutrient relations, herbivore activity by insects or mammals and understory vegetation, as well as data on soil animal and microbial communities. It is also employing advanced modelling techniques to assess the temporal dynamics of pure and mixed species stands and landscapes and the related delivery of ecosystem services under changing climate.

Overall, FunDivEUROPE is examining how tree species diversity affects ecological processes and how loss in biodiversity impacts the delivery of wood for construction materials, biomass for energy, clean water and other services that ecosystems offer for human societies. Important recommendations for the sustainable use of forest ecosystems and best practices for forest management are expected to emerge from these efforts, furthering sustainability and safeguarding our environment.