Seed4Forest: Integrating genetic resources into forest restoration policies and practice
Seed4Forest is an innovative decision-support tool guiding forest managers and policymakers in selecting climate-resilient tree species, species mixtures, and seed sources for sustainable, science-based forest restoration across Europe.
European forests are increasingly challenged by climate change, which affects their health, resilience, and capacity to provide multiple ecosystem services. Effective forest restoration and sustainable management now require precise, science-based guidance on which tree species to plant and how to establish resilient mixed forests. Moreover, restoration decisions need to consider the genetic diversity within species and the increasing maladaptation of local populations due to climate change.
To support science-based restoration decisions, the decision support system Seed4Forest provides an innovative, user-friendly platform that enables forest managers, restoration practitioners, and policymakers to select suitable tree species, species mixtures, and seed sources under current and future climate conditions. Developed through European collaboration, including the Horizon Europe Project SUPERB, Seed4Forest was developed by a team of scientists at the Austrian Research Centre for Forests BFW with advice and input from the SUPERB restoration community.
How the tool works
Users are guided throughout the major forest restoration decisions. Starting with the selection of tree species based on their climatic suitability and species productivity under current and future climate, the tool then allows for the exploration of appropriate species mixtures to enhance biodiversity and forest resilience. Finally, it recommends seed sources that are aligned with the environmental conditions expected in the future. The seed source recommendations are based upon the analysis of large-scale provenance data and the modelling of potential assisted migration pathways.
The tool allows exploring interactive maps, comparing species performance across regions, and identifying optimal seed sources for both current and anticipated environmental conditions. Users can download the recommendations as a comprehensive report containing guidance on species choice, species mixtures, and information on adapted seed sources. Seed4Forest represents a practical step toward climate-smart forest restoration. By translating complex scientific data into actionable insights, it empowers forest managers and policymakers to make informed, locally adapted decisions that contribute to the sustainability and genetic diversity of Europe’s forests.
