Stakeholders’ perspectives

Subproject 7 analyses the perspectives, interests and expectations of relevant stakeholders in the context of climate change-related disturbances in forests.#

Subproject 7 deals with the perspectives of different stakeholders on climate change-related disturbances in forests and their consequences, such as insect calamities, windthrow, drought or forest fires and their interactions.

Stakeholders include forest owners and managers, but also representatives of the timber industry, nature conservation, water management, tourism, sport, civil protection, hunting and environmental education. As “key players”, they are directly affected by the changed disturbance regimes in the context of climate change and/or are involved in dealing with them. It is expected that the perspectives of the individual interest groups will differ, sometimes significantly.

On the one hand, literature analyses are used to compile the current state of research on the perspectives of stakeholders on climate change-induced forest changes; possible gaps in knowledge are identified. Secondly, the interests and needs of stakeholders are identified. The findings from the literature are verified and deepened through surveys. Stakeholders are selected at different spatial and organizational levels, but also on the basis of forest-related criteria such as predominant tree species, site conditions, type of management (managed / unmanaged forests) and location (urban / rural forests). In this way, the spectrum of stakeholders and perspectives should be included as comprehensively as possible and regional differences and similarities can be highlighted.

Building on this, expert workshops with focus groups as well as in-depth expert interviews will be conducted and evaluated. The aims are to increase understanding of individual perspectives and needs, improve the exchange between science and practice and establish dialog processes to promote social learning between groups with different perspectives. The knowledge gained illustrates the social dimension of forest change and resilience to climate change. They are incorporated into an adaptive management system that is supported by the stakeholders concerned.

Contact person

Dr. Mirjam Milad

Alfred Toepfer Akademie for Nature Conservation

Mirjam.Milad@nna.niedersachsen.de

T+49 5199 989-76