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The journal Trees, Forests and People has published the study “Participatory mapping of the forest community stakeholders in Europe focusing on forest genetic resources, forest reproductive material, and protected forests”, coordinated by T. Rogelja and Mauro Masiero (University of Padua), alongside an extensive international team of experts.

The paper was developed within the Horizon Europe OptFORESTS project, which includes Etifor as an active research partner. The study addresses a crucial challenge for the future of the sector: mapping the complex network of actors influencing the governance of forest genetic resources in Europe—a key element for the resilience of our forests in the face of climate change.

Using an approach based on the Quadruple Helix model and a systematic review involving consortium experts, the research identifies 45 stakeholder categories, divided into three main “sub-communities”:

  • Forest Genetic Resources (FGR): Acts as a bridge between conservation and production, focusing on genetic variability to ensure long-term adaptability.

  • Forest Reproductive Material (FRM): Focused on applied aspects such as breeding, nursery production, and reforestation.

  • Protected Forests (PF): Oriented toward the protection of biodiversity and spontaneous natural processes, with a preference for minimal human intervention.

Results and governance

The research demonstrates that the modernization of the forest sector cannot overlook integrated governance. While clear synergies exist in ecosystem restoration, the study highlights tensions between those promoting active management (such as assisted species migration) and those advocating for strict protection.

The findings underscore the need for tools that facilitate the flow of knowledge between the scientific community, policymakers, and civil society. The paper continues the commitment of Etifor and the OptFORESTS partners to promote science-based forest policies capable of valuing ecosystem services and genetic biodiversity as pillars of the European bioeconomy.

economia europea.

ARTICLE DETAILS

Title: Participatory mapping of the forest community stakeholders in Europe focusing on forest genetic resources, forest reproductive material, and protected forests

Authors: T. Rogelja, L. Secco, F. Lefèvre, E. Beuker, M. Westergren, B. Fady, S.C. González-Martínez, T. Myking, L.E. Pâques, C. Rellstab, G.G. Vendramin, T. Chauvin, M. van Loo, U. Ovaska, J. Giacomoni, A. Japelj,A.M. Farsakoglou, H. Konrad, S. Caiolo, A. Desgroux, M. Masiero

Year of publication: 2025