Smart solutions for resilient reforestation to safeguard essential ecosystem services in the face of climate change (SmartReForest)
Intact forest ecosystems are essential for biodiversity, water supply and climate protection. However, climate change, extreme weather conditions and pests are increasingly leading to calamities in Bavaria and jeopardize the provision of important ecosystem services. The reforestation of existing and additionally expected damaged areas poses a major challenge, as there is uncertainty about affected areas, suitable reforestation strategies and the ecosystem services of the restored forests.
SmartReForest addresses these challenges and develops a scientifically sound and practical concept for climate-resilient reforestation by combining modern technologies such as vegetation modeling and artificial intelligence with ecophysiological and forestry expertise in three subprojects.
The project is being carried out by the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) as part of the Bavarian climate research network bayklif2. This makes HSWT the only University of Applied Sciences that, after intensive participation with three projects in the first funding program bayklif (see chapter „Background“) between 2018 and 2023, is now also on board in the bayklif2 funding program alongside several universities. The projects worked on by HSWT professorships in bayklif1 were:
- Exploring the height limits of tree species themselves (BAYSICS, sub-project 6)
- Effects of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem services in semi-natural, agricultural and urban landscapes and strategies for climate change management (LandKlif, Verbundprojekt)
- Hysteresis effects in Bavarian beech forest ecosystems due to climate extremes (HyBBEx)
Approach and sub-projects SmartReForest
Subproject 1 identifies and prioritizes areas in need of reforestation. With the help of multispectral satellite data, AI-supported image processing and time series models, high-risk areas are identified and their potential for sustainable reforestation is assessed, taking into account ecological aspects such as habitat connectivity. The integration of climate change scenarios also makes it possible to forecast future relevant areas.
Subproject 2 develops strategies for multifunctional, climate-resilient afforestation and long-term management of afforested forests. The LPJ-GUESS vegetation model is used to simulate various afforestation and management scenarios under varying climate conditions. The focus is on biodiversity and water balance under different silvicultural options. In addition, emergency irrigation is modeled as a key factor for the growth success of young plants in order to develop sustainable, water-efficient solutions.
Subproject 3 deals with ensuring the success of afforestation measures. AI-supported monitoring and irrigation systems based on remote sensing and ecophysiological measurements are being developed here. The aim is the early detection of drought stress and the targeted and efficient supply of water in order to ensure the survival of young plants, avoid adverse effects via over-supply of water and conserve water resources.
The close interlinking of all sub-projects creates a data-based decision support system that integrates area prioritization, optimized reforestation strategies and adaptive management methods. SmartReForest thus makes a decisive contribution to sustainable reforestation and long-term protection of forest ecosystems and their essential ecosystem services in Bavaria.
Background to the bayklif2 funding program
Bavaria is sending a strong signal for climate protection and scientific excellence in Bavaria: Following the successful completion of the Bavarian Climate Research Network bayklif in December 2023, the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts is launching a new, forward-looking program for climate impact research - bayklif2 - with a five-year funding phase from January 2026. Bavaria is thus continuing its strategy of combining scientific excellence with social relevance. The program combines the strengths of different disciplines and promotes interdisciplinary research in order to comprehensively understand the complex effects of climate change and develop sustainable solutions.
The new funding phase focuses on the areas of health, nutrition, water and biodiversity - topics in which the consequences of climate change are particularly visible and tangible. The funded researchers should not only produce scientific findings, but also make concrete contributions to overcoming the consequences of climate change and identify socially relevant strategies.
A particular focus of bayklif2 is on the use of artificial intelligence (AI). State-of-the-art digital technologies open up completely new ways of analysis and modeling: AI makes it possible to precisely evaluate huge amounts of data, gain a better understanding of complex climate processes and develop adaptive concepts for action. This makes bayklif2 a pacesetter for innovative research approaches in climate science.
With its clear focus on scientific innovation and technological excellence, bayklif2 fits seamlessly into the Hightech Agenda Bayern - the Bavarian state government's ambitious programme for the future, which specifically strengthens science, digitalization and technology in order to further develop Bavaria as an international location for innovation.
At the same time, bayklif2 focuses on close networking between science, politics, business and society with the aim of translating scientific findings into practical recommendations for action and thus contributing to a sustainable, resilient and liveable future in the Free State of Bavaria.
