Extreme events such as VAIA in 2018, intense snow pressure damage, and extensive bark beetle infestations have highlighted the vulnerability of our forest ecosystems to extreme events and changing climate conditions, as well as the necessity for diversifying forest stocks. The approach of artificial reforestation allows for the introduction of tree species adapted to climatic conditions or for the rapid restoration of forests' protective functions following damage.

For this reason, on October 3 and 4, two full-day workshops on targeted, climate-adapted reforestation were held for around 50 foresters from the pilot region as part of the Interreg Alpine Space project ADAPTNOW, in the forest inspectorates of Welsberg and Bruneck. The workshops were jointly planned and implemented by Eurac Research, the Forestry Department of the province, the two forest inspectorates, the Regional Management LAG Pustertal, the Pustertal District Community, and external experts from Switzerland and Bavaria.

After a general introduction to the global and local climatic developments expected and their impacts on extreme events and the growth conditions of native tree species, presentations were given by external experts on the strategic aspects of artificial reforestation, experiences from Switzerland, and practical aspects of tree planting. In the afternoons, the inputs were discussed in detail at exemplary forest sites and immediately applied by the participants.

Following the successful implementation at the regional level, a replication in other parts of the province is planned, integrated into a regional overall strategy for climate-adapted forestry. We look forward to these next steps, driven by our project ADAPTNOW!