Forest models are useful tools to study processed driving the dynamics of forest ecosystems and to project impacts of climate change and management interventions. In this lecture, I will give an overview of the development of forest dynamic models, from the precursor tables of growth-and-yield to more complex and multi-scale computer simulators, what types of models exist and how they can be categorized. I will then present some practical examples of applications of forest models in the field of research across Europe and beyond. This includes studies focusing on assessing the impact of climate change on stand scale forest dynamics, but also how to evaluate the future provision of multiple ecosystem services. I will also present an example of how forest models can be used to test novel management approaches before they are implemented in real conditions. All the presented studies and example embed evaluations of multiple forest management strategies, with the main aim of delivering recommendations for decision support in sustainable planning of forest resources in the long-term. Finally, I will present current research activities and projects related to forest research in the Italian Alps including investigations on forest landscape dynamics, treeline expansion, forest biodiversity and the protective role of forest against gravitational hazards.
Giorgio Vacchiano – University of Milan, DiSAA
Marco Mina – Institute for Alpine Environment, Eurac Research
Per i Dottori Agronomi e Forestali il seminario è accreditato di 0,25 CFP ai sensi della delibera CONAF 162/22.
Il seminario si terrà in lingua inglese.