The protective functions of forests in a changing climate European experience

The reporting countries confirm the importance of protective forests for their territories and citizens. The forests provide protection to people, infrastructure and nature, but require protection from land use and increasing climate fluctuations with the associated risks, such as droughts, pests, storms and fires. Countries have defined, characterized, and identified challenges inherent to their protective forests, and it is through their appropriate governance, management and planning that the forests are able to provide ecosystem services in a sustainable way. In the context of a changing climate, the approach has to be revisited and adapted to novel and increasingly more uncertain conditions. This review of reports from 12 countries shows that especially mountain regions in Europe are facing common challenges and that different approaches can be learnt from each another.