ANAFOR: Assisting natural adaptation of forests to climate change

Despite ongoing efforts to slow climate change, global average temperatures are expected to continue rising. To protect both nature and society, we must not only reduce emissions but also adapt to a warmer climate with more extreme weather events. Forests play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and provide us with essential ecosystem services such as timber, carbon storage, and clean water. However, many tree species struggle to keep pace with the changing climate – they spread slowly and are often hindered by natural barriers or human-altered landscapes.

Helping nature adapt – with assisted migration

This project is the first to explore how Swedish forests can be adapted to future climate conditions through so-called assisted migration – actively helping southern tree species establish themselves further north. The focus is on eight broadleaf tree species currently found in southern Sweden or Central Europe, as well as other plant species associated with these forests. The project takes a comprehensive approach, analyzing the ecological, legal, and social opportunities and barriers to assisted migration.

Results that drive change 

Using a combination of literature reviews, legal analyses, stakeholder interviews, species distribution modeling, and field experiments, the researchers aim to map both the risks and the possibilities of relocating species. The goal is to develop a practical guide for authorities, forest owners, organizations, and businesses who want to support climate-adapted forest management. The project is carried out in close collaboration with stakeholders, who are also invited to influence the research direction to ensure maximum usefulness and real-world impact.