Within REINFORCE, I calibrated multi-scale models of forest dynamics in the Alps and in other case study areas. Such models (iLand, ForClim, LANDIS-II) were applied to evaluate future forest development under combination of scenarios considering climate change, natural disturbances, forest management, treeline expansion and land-use change. Results revealed a contrasting effect of climate change on mountain and subalpine forests in the Alps, highlighting the need of local-scale model applications in topographically complex territories. Additionally, under hypothetical land-use abandonment the treeline ecotone will likely shift quickly upwards in elevation affecting future tree species composition at landscape level in the Alps.
REINFORCE also contributed in validating, by means of modelling, the functional complex network approach as a potential methods to enhance forest ecological resilience to global change. Simulation experiments in forests of Eastern North America embedding climate change, biotic disturbances and multiple management alternatives demonstrated that adopting a landscape-scale perspective by planning interventions strategically in space and adopting a functional trait approach to diversify forests is promising for enhancing ecological resilience indicators under unexpected global change stressors. It also demonstrated how proactive forest management can drive the future dynamics and adaptability of Mediterranean forests under climate change. The project also engaged with regional stakeholders to rank research priorities that are needed at regional level to deliver practical recommendations in adapting forest management.
Results obtained have been published in four scientific articles, and further studies will be submitted to scientific journals soon. The data generated from the project were also made available in open-access datasets. Project results have been presented at six international and national conferences, six lectures at universities, five invited oral presentations and a number of communication activities (video interviews, lecture for school, online articles, blog posts) that contributed in spreading awareness on the addressed topics of the project. Additional information on REINFORCE and its ongoing/follow-up research activities is available on the project webpage and on social media.
