New Forest Resilience Index Aims to Secure Long-Term Sustainability in Forest Management

A new project between ANW, GRAS, University of Göttingen and UFZ is underway to strengthen the resilience of forests, using innovative techniques to measure and monitor forest resilience over time. Central to this effort is the Forest Resilience Index, a pioneering approach that evaluates the long-term stability and regenerative capacity of forest ecosystems. 

The project’s approach is to determine, measure and monitor the resilience of the forest. This is crucial for assessing its resistance and regenerative capacity. The development of resilience depends on a variety of different factors, some of which can be influenced by humans. These factors, such as the type of forest management, old-growth and deadwood stocks, tree species mix, structural richness, biodiversity and others, are not the primary focus of our study, but rather the assessment of the effects of the measures taken by the forest owners on forest resilience. 

Therefore, GRAS plays a crucial role with its expertise in remote sensing technology, where Satellite-based measurements of cooling (internal and external forest climate function), photosynthesis (oxygen production, filter function, vitality, and system stability), biodiversity (structural diversity, species diversity, vitality, and system stability) and carbon storage (biomass accumulation as a CO2 sink function) are used to conclude the effects of forest management regarding resilience and its development. 

Key Objectives of the Project 

The project has set several key objectives to refine the Forest Resilience Index and make it viable for widespread application: 

1. Develop models based on remote sensing: Creating data models that link satellite imagery with resilience factors in pilot areas in Germany.

2. Verify Satellite Data with Ground Measurements: Comparing satellite results with data gathered on the ground to ensure accuracy. 

3. Test Correlations with Forest Structural Complexity: The correlation test between the forest resilience index (RSIw) and the box dimension index (Db), as a measure of the structural complexity of forests. 

4. Establish a standard for the resilience indices: Development of a standard for the derivation of forest resilience indices in comparable areas as a feasibility basis for a national level assessment. 

This Forest Resilience Index project represents a promising step toward sustainable forest management by providing forest managers with data-driven insights to enhance resilience. As forests continue to face pressures from climate change, this project offers a roadmap for preserving and strengthening these vital ecosystems for the future.