Today forests are under increasing pressure: on one side society demands productivity and multipurpose use, while on the other side there’s increasing pressure from climatic extremes and intensification of forest disturbances.
We need constructive responses to these pressures like integrative forest management approaches and close-to-nature solutions to both enable the multipurpose value of our forest as well as to enhance their biodiversity and resilience in the face of climatic disruption. However, one of the main hurdles to enable new management systems is the general lack of knowledge and expertise on alternative management options available, and we have a solution for that!
ForestMoocForChange is a new and free online course providing an introduction to continues cover forestry, covering the various aspects of this innovative forestry approach over an 8-week period. The course includes numerous videos produced in the field by experts, managers and owners. Each week, a live meeting will be organised with the speakers enabling you to ask your questions and discuss the subject covered. From discovering how continuous cover works and its dynamics, to questions of an economic, ecological or social nature, the MOOC is designed to be comprehensive and aimed at everyone.
The ForestMoocForChange is a collaborative project, co-financed by the European Union, between four European Forestry Development Agencies involved in Close-to-Nature forestry development: Die Arbeitsgemeinschaft Naturgemäße Waldwirtschaft (ANW) in Germany, Pro Silva France, Teagasc Forestry Development Department in Ireland, and Forêt-Nature in Belgium as lead partner. The aim of the project is to help overcome initial challenges and provide new tools to facilitate Europe’s forests transformation towards continuous cover systems as a way to optimise production of quality wood, biodiversity, the protection of ecosystem services and enhanced resilience.
An overview of CCF across Europe
The ForestMoocForChange team went to meet foresters in Germany, Ireland, France and Belgium. The foresters spoke about their experiences, sometimes spanning several decades, and demonstrated some of their best practices in the field.
Starting with the main principles of continuous cover silviculture, you will then discover the functioning and dynamics of natural forests and how management is inspired by them. The resilience of forests and their ecosystem services are the subject of a chapter in their own right. The course also looks at the profitability of continuous cover forestry, with testimonials from foresters who apply it for its economic benefits, among other reasons. While at first glance it might seem complicated to change forest management, a dedicated chapter will reassure you where, step by step, forest transformation practices and tools are reviewed. Finally, we’ll take you across Europe to discover forests managed using continuous cover forestry in different ecosystems, each with its own challenges and opportunities. A real source of inspiration!
Join the foresters of tomorrow!
Follow the ForestMoocForChange in French, German or English from 16 October to 7 December 2023. A new chapter will be available each week, and can be followed from home, whenever you want, at your own pace. The course is completely free, and includes certification when you complete all the modules.
Interested? Then you can register now on forestmoocforchange.eu!
For more information contact jonathan.spazzi[at]teagasc.ie
