Integrative Forest Management for coexistence in Europe

Forests are expected to contribute simultaneously to climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation, renewable material supply, and a wide range of ecosystem services. Meeting these expectations requires a shift from managing individual objectives towards managing resilient, multifunctional forest landscapes. The scientific evidence shows that productive forestry and biodiversity conservation are not competing goals, but complementary objectives that reinforce the long-term resilience, productivity, and societal value of forests. For the forest-based sector, the priority should be to embed biodiversity and climate resilience as core components of sustainable forest management. Integrative Forest Management is a practical framework for achieving this by combining active forest management with targeted conservation measures, and adapting management to local ecological, economic, and social conditions. A diversified portfolio of region-specific silvicultural practices, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, will be essential to strengthen forest resilience while maintaining a reliable supply of renewable wood resources.