Alpine forests fulfil many important ecological functions. They store carbon and water, provide renewable resources and recreational areas, and are biodiversity hotspots. They also play a vital role in protecting many Alpine regions from natural hazards such as landslides, rockfalls, avalanches and floods. However, Alpine forests are also heavily impacted by climate change. Forest disturbances are becoming both more frequent and intense, and as a result, the areas of forest that need to be regenerated are increasing. Reforestation of these areas will therefore be one of the central challenges for Central European forestry in the coming decades. The mortality rate of young trees is already high, particularly in drier areas, and is expected to rise significantly in future due to reduced soil moisture from snow and an increase in dry periods.

The increasing demand for forest regeneration actions is coinciding with a decline in the quality of seeds and afforestation plant material for important tree species. This poses significant challenges for forest owners, foresters, and other relevant decision-makers. To maintain Alpine forests and their services and functions also in future climates, we must better understand disturbances and following forest regeneration, including the factors impacting temporal variation in tree seed production and seed quality, seed predation and seedling establishment. The potential for acclimatising of seedlings and juvenile plants to changing conditions must be characterised and growing conditions that increase afforestation success must be identified.

This focus session aims to bring together experts in mountain forest ecology, tree seed and plant production, tree ecophysiology and forest regeneration, whereby basic and applied science aspects are equally welcome.