70-year-old experimental plantation in Copera (Southern Alps, Switzerland) where the resilience to drought of more than 50 native and non-native tree species can be tested and compared with the surrounding near-natural and highly species-rich mixed forests (photo by A. Rigling, ETH Zürich)

A recently published article examines how rising climate uncertainty is reshaping forest management and underscores the crucial role of tree species diversity in building resilient forest ecosystems. Here, Prof. Dr. Andreas Rigling and Dr. Valentina Vitali explain that diverse forests are better equipped to cope with intensifying stressors – including droughts, heatwaves, pests, storms, and shifting seasonal patterns – while continuing to provide essential ecological, economic, and social functions.

The authors highlight that integrating species diversity into forest management offers both immediate and long-term benefits: it increases resistance to disturbance, enhances productivity and stability, and reduces the risk of large-scale forest failure. As part of this broader shift, the article points to ongoing international efforts to guide adaptive management, including the role of the Integrate Network. The network is mentioned as an important platform for evidence-based discussions on integrative forest management and close-to-nature forestry, enabling dialogue between practitioners, policymakers, and scientists to develop differentiated, sustainable management solutions.

By emphasising both scientific insights and practical strategies, the article reinforces the need for forest managers to adopt integrated, species-rich approaches that can support ecosystem resilience for future generations.

This summary also relates to the following publication: Rigling A, Vitali V (2025) Forest management in an uncertain future: The role of tree diversity. Open Access Government. Oct. 2025, pp. 390–391.