Fields of activity

Forest resources and climate protection

With the National Forest Inventory and models based on it, we regularly examine how forests develop on a national scale. On the basis of this and many other data, we report on the contribution of forests to climate protection, the production of renewable raw materials and biological diversity.

Soil protection and forest health

Sustainable use of soils, preserve their functions and identify risks in time. We examine the condition of forests - especially of the forest soils - by investigating which influential factors have an effect and studying the development under changing environmental conditions.

Ecology and Forest Dynamics

On intensive forest research areas we measure material and energy flows. We observe the growth and vitality of trees and stands. From this we gain knowledge about the adaptability and resilience of forests and provide information about the impact of the environment on biodiversity with consequences for forest nature conservation.

Wildlife ecology

How can forest and game be brought into harmony? We are looking for optimized solutions for wildlife management that meet the requirements of forest protection, species protection and animal disease prevention.

Programme Co-ordinating Centre (PCC) of ICP Forests

Due to increasing defoliation of forests trees in 1985 under the Geneva Air Convention a European wide crown condition survey was initiated and 1995 amended by an integrated in-depth monitoring of selected forest ecosystems. Both render nowadays valuable long-term ecosystem research platforms for various research questions.

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Institute of

WO Forest Ecosystems