New tender supports long-term qualitative renewal of forests

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The pace of climate change exceeds the rate to which tree species can adapt through natural processes. In many cases, Hungarian forest stands need active human help to adapt. One of the most important elements of this is to increase the diversity of tree species and forest structure. The Deputy State Secretary explained that within the framework of the tender entitled “Increasing the resilience, adaptation or environmental value of forest ecosystems to climate change”, support can be provided for forest structural transformation, improved regeneration – in which increasing the diversity is a criterion –, regeneration with climate-resistant propagating material, and various additional soil and seedling protection activities. András Mocz added that by transforming the structure of forests, the age structure, diversity and biodiversity of forest stands can be improved, thus improving the resilience and environmental value of forest ecosystems. A key goal is to counteract the increasing and increasingly extreme environmental impacts, such as drought, forest and vegetation fires, frost damage and storm damage, as well as the spread of newly emerging biotic pathogens and pests. The prevention of forest damage and the restoration of damaged forest potential are supported by separate calls, but the long-term qualitative renewal of forests is equally important. The first phase of submission of support applications is open between 1 and 30 September 2025.

AM