Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park – forest adaptation, carbon and wildfire
Long-term research collaborations · Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park · University of Milan · University of Turin for wildfire research
Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park · University of Milan · University of Turin for the wildfire project Forest Lab developed four complementary research projects in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park, addressing adaptation of beech and silver fir forests, management effects on forest carbon stocks and sinks, and wildfire prediction and prevention. The project Climate-change adaptation of beech coppices and transitional high forests on public land investigated how management system, management intensity and species mixture influence growth, climate vulnerability and ecosystem services in the Park’s beech forests.
Active coppice, stored coppice, converted high forest and beech stands mixed with broadleaves or silver fir were compared. Dendrometric and dendrochronological data were combined with species-distribution models and 3-PG simulations under alternative climate and management scenarios. The project produced monitoring indicators and a decision framework for selecting management strategies according to site conditions, productivity, soil conservation, wildfire hazard and other ecosystem services. The project analysed fifteen Abies alba stands, including natural and planted forests and three genetic provenances: Western Alps, Northern Apennines and Southern Apennines.
Related research lines: Sustainable forest management and planning · Forest resilience, extreme events and disturbances
Reports and outputs: Climate-change adaptation of beech coppices and transitional high forests on public land – final report (November 2024) · Climate adaptation of silver fir forests in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park – final report (March 2024) · Pilot programme for increasing carbon sequestration and conservation in Apennine beech forests under alternative management regimes – final report (November 2024) · Improving wildfire prediction and prevention in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park – interim report (July 2022)