Frédéric Gosselin – Engineer specialising in forest biodiversity and deputy head of the ECODIV department, INRAE(testimonial from the “Forest reproductive material: a challenge for the forests of tomorrow” dossier – 2022)
“Our EFNO unit has been studying lowland forest ecosystems and associated biodiversity for over 30 years, both within specific ecosystems and across ecosystems as a whole. In particular, we are seeking to propose forest management systems that simultaneously guarantee timber production and the maintenance of biodiversity, all in the context of climate change. Today, almost 13% of French forests are planted, and the France Relance plan calls for 50 million trees to be reforested by 2024 to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s forests. To what extent can genetic diversity help forests to adapt to climate change, and to what extent? How can this diversity be ensured? Should we rely on the natural adaptation of forests or ensure diversity through plantations? What impact will these choices have on the biodiversity of the rest of the ecosystem? The choice of reproductive material and its characteristics is important in meeting these challenges. Management objectives have, and hopefully will continue to, evolve towards greater diversity in both species and forest systems. It’s a great challenge that needs to be supported by research… “
Testimonial from our thematic dossier
Thematic dossier
Forest reproductive material: a challenge for the forests of tomorrow
Thanks to French public policies focused on reforestation through planting, France has increased its forest area by 1.5 million hectares in 50 years. But the adaptability of the species used for reforestation raises questions: what characteristics are important for the trees of tomorrow? Which species should be planted where? What inter- and intraspecific genetic diversity needs should be anticipated? INRAE’s work on the varietal selection of forest species and the creation and management of seed production structures (seed orchards and seed-bearing stands) is helping to design a more resilient forest by guaranteeing the genetic origin and quality of forest seeds.
