Forestry research is the key to climate change adaptation

By: STA Date: 2025. 09. 02. 10:30

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With its experience in climate change adaptation, Hungary makes a significant contribution to the success of international forestry research, thereby preserving the green values of our planet – said Péter Zambó, State Secretary for Forests and Land Affairs, on the occasion of a professional meeting with Robert Mavsar, Director of the European Forest Institute (EFI).

(Photo: AM/István Fekete)

The survival of forests is in the interest of society as a whole, which is why Hungary places great emphasis on research into the effects of climate change and the possibilities for adaptation. The nearly century-long Hungarian experience in afforestation of extreme habitats is particularly valuable today, as managing in line with changing habitat conditions is a challenge worldwide, said Péter Zambó during a meeting with the head of the research institute based in Finland.

Hungary has been participating in forest genetics research coordinated by EFI since the 1990s

It has most recently joined EFI’s Integrate program, which assesses the conservation value of forests and educates professionals working in the field. In addition to the University of Sopron and its Institute of Forestry, several state forestry companies are also participating in the research, for example, the first nature conservation, so-called marteloscope sample areas were established by Pilisi Parkerdő Zrt. and Mecsekerdő Zrt.. The state thus takes an active role in maintaining the framework of sustainable forest management not only by financing research institutes, but also through its business companies.

Internationally, experiments investigating the domestic behavior of southern origins of native tree species are also of great interest

The Hungarian relations established with Turkey, the Balkan and Caucasus countries, as well as Algeria and Morocco offer useful knowledge not only for domestic but also for the entire European forestry practice regarding tree species that can be used in warmer and drier climates. We are committed to further supporting forestry research and the exchange of experience at the international level, as these are the key to understanding changes in the production area and, through this, to developing new methods necessary to maintain forests that are vital to humanity, the State Secretary emphasized on the occasion of the bilateral meeting held at the Ministry of Agriculture.