Strategies for the Ecological Restoration of the Boreal Forest Facing Climate Change

Abstract

AbstractThe large-scale simplification of boreal forest ecosystem structure, composition, and processes to boost timber production, combined with the increasing pressure of climate change, has created an urgent need to restore forest biodiversity and resilience. However, the issue of restoration is relatively new in boreal forests, and there are no established strategies to guide restoration planning and action. Here we provide an overview of suggested strategic concepts and approaches for boreal forest ecosystem restoration and discuss their applicability to various situations. The key strategic questions in restoration for attaining a favorable conservation status of native ecosystem types and their intrinsic dynamics in a given area are: what, how much, and when to restore? We conclude that adaptive capacity should serve as an overarching strategic framework in boreal forest restoration during times of rapid climate change.