KLIFF Klimafolgenforschung in Niedersachsen - adaptation strategies for forested landscapes
Ecological and societal adaptation strategies for forested landscapes to climate change
As a result of climate change, forest ecosystems and forested landscapes are exposed to environmental factors which differ fundamentally from the past. Changes in climate such as temperature increases, changes in the intensity and distribution of precipitation, increase in extreme weather events, as well as changes in the chemical climate will greatly change the ecological and economic framework for production in the forest industry, but also the function of forests in the agricultural landscapes.
The objective of the interdisciplinary research area ‘Forest’ is to develop adaptation strategies to climate change for the forested landscapes of Lower Saxony differing in sensitivity, using the Harz Mountains and Lueneburger Heath as examples. Focus will be placed on the central ecosystem services of wood production, regulation of hydrology, conservation and tourism which will be considered in ecological, economic and social contexts within 9 sub-projects. To realise this project a wide research approach has been chosen, which covers areas ranging from the fundamental aspects of genetics and molecular biology to forest utilization under consideration of conservation and tourism. By including stakeholders in the project, the needs of the forestry industry are considered from the onset.
