Implementing assisted migration. SUSTREE Policy Brief No. 2, Output of the INTERREG CENTRAL EUROPE Programme 2014-2020

Abstract

The speed of climate change results in a drastic decline of major ecosystem services provided by European forests. Natural processes in forest trees are too slow to allow a sufficient adaptation, calling for active adaptation measures. Assisted migration, the facilitated movement of species and populations to match the climatic conditions anticipated in the future is suggested to be a key adaptation option to conserve the integrity of forest ecosystems and maintain their ecosystem functions. In the frame of the Interreg Central Europe project SUSTREE (Conservation and sustainable utilization of forest tree diversity in climate change), a policy brief has been written, to inform policy makers about assisted migration of forest trees and the seed transfer recommendations developed within SUSTREE. The key findings of the policy brief are: 1) The speed of climate change is faster than the natural pace of trees to adapt, calling for active management. 2) Assisted migration of forest seeds and seedlings enhances the resilience and reduces the vulnerability of European forests. 3) Seed transfer models based on Europe-wide experimental trials were developed to provide recommendations for assisted migration. 4) Stronger transnational coordination in seed management and tree breeding, as well as harmonization of national legislations, are required for Pan-European implementation of assisted migration