About Minority Tree Species 2027

Climate change, low genetic diversity, pests, deforestation and overgrazing are among the pressures driving this decline. When rare tree species disappear, the plants, animals, fungi and other organisms that have evolved alongside them may also be affected. At the same time, rare and under-represented tree species can possess unique traits that may help forests adapt to a changing climate.

Minority Tree Species 2027 brings together researchers, conservationists, practitioners and policy makers to explore how rare and threatened tree species can be protected, restored and better integrated into future forest management.

Conference themes

The conference will address the ecology, conservation and management of rare, endangered and under-represented tree species, with particular emphasis on both scientific advances and practical applications.

Topics include:

• closing major gaps in tree conservation
• promoting rare and under-represented tree species in forest management
• using alternative tree species to support climate adaptation
• assisted migration and transformational forest restoration
• integrating rare tree species into afforestation projects
• gene conservation, seed procurement and nursery stock production
• biotic and abiotic risks, invasive species and risk management
• the potential of rare tree species for timber, fruit and other products
• biodiversity, forest recreation and landscape aesthetics

The four-day conference will take place in Aalborg, Denmark, from 24–27 May 2027. Participants from around the world will share research findings, practical experience and possible solutions to challenges in tree conservation and forest management.

Conference format

The programme will include invited keynote speakers, contributed presentations, posters, demonstrations and discussion sessions designed to encourage the exchange of ideas between research and practice.

Two field excursions to experimental and practice-oriented sites will provide opportunities to discuss the establishment and management of rare and alternative tree species in the field.

The official conference language is English.

Call for abstracts

Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit contributions related to the conference themes. Papers, posters and computer demonstrations are welcome, including contributions that present challenges, new ideas and potential solutions.

Extended abstracts may be up to one printed page, including one figure or illustration. Accepted abstracts will be included in the electronic conference proceedings.

Important dates

15 December 2026
Deadline for abstract submission.

15 January 2027
Notification of acceptance.

28 February 2027
Deadline for final extended abstracts, including specific results.

Publication opportunities

Selected contributions will be invited for peer review and possible publication in a special issue of an international scientific journal.

Acceptance for presentation at the conference does not guarantee publication in the journal.

Conference excursions

Two excursions are included in the conference programme and conference fee.

The excursions will focus on the establishment and management of rare and alternative tree species for climate-smart afforestation, assisted migration and transformational forest restoration.

Participants will visit scientific experiments and practice-oriented trials involving lesser-known tree species, including research on Corylus, Juglans, Malus, Pyrus, Sorbus, Taxus and other genera.