Introduction

Forests across Europe and China are becoming more vulnerable to droughts, storms, pests and pathogens, with cascading social-ecological impacts. ECO2ADAPT Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Changemaking to Shape, Protect and Maintain the Resilience of Tomorrow’s Forests responds by co-creating ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) solutions that harness biodiversity and ecosystem services to reduce vulnerability and build resilience. The project establishes Living Labs in climate hotspots across Europe and China, where scientists, managers and communities test, compare and refine nature-based strategies in real landscapes.

To scale learning, the project is building an open knowledge base (FAIR data), new governance and economic mechanisms (including insurance/business instruments), and practical digital tools such as the OneForest Toolbox (a smartphone app) to support species/provenance choice, mixtures and adaptive silviculture under uncertain climates. Training and outreach connect research with practice and education, ensuring uptake from citizens to policy-makers.

Objectives

Co-create and test EbA solutions in Living Labs across European and Chinese climate hotspots, integrating disturbance and vulnerability into day-to-day forest decisions through Decision Theatre exercises.

Financing

EU contribution (Horizon Europe RIA): 9 788 452 EUR

Grant Agreement: No. 101059498

Duration: 1 Sept 2022 – 31 Aug 2027

Programme/Topic: Horizon Europe, Cluster 6 — HORIZON-CL6-2021-CLIMATE-01-10 (EU–China cooperation on forest resilience)

UEF funding: 794 292 EUR (Frank Berninger, Blas Mola)