ERA-NET ForestValue study "Assess4EST – Seeing trees and forests for the future: assessment of trade-offs and potentials to breed and manage forests to meet sustainability goals"

Study supported by the Forest Development Fund (agreement No. 22-00-S0MF10-000042 (2022) and 23-00SOMF11-000001 (2023))

It is essential to ensure the implementation of the ERA-NET ForestValue approved study Assess4EST in Latvia. It will assess the possibilities of how, by adapting and developing forestry, to ensure the maximum contribution of the forest sector to the achievement of sustainability goals in Northern Europe. In the research, the most extensive work is planned with conifers, analyzing the potential of using deciduous trees in certain aspects. The impact of different forest restoration methods on the growth of tree stands, climate stability and the ability to adapt to rapidly occurring climate changes, the quality of the wood to be grown, ensuring maximum carbon accumulation and the effect of replacing fossil materials will be evaluated.

The goal of the study is to ensure the implementation of the ERA-NET ForestValue approved study Assess4EST in Latvia.

Tasks of the study:

1. Analysis of the latest scientific literature and data prepared by the research participants, an overview of the genetic variation of the evaluated traits.
2. Compilation of forest selection data and additional measurements (in total > 1000 plus tree families) in free-pollinated progeny test plantations. Transfer of information about the execution of the specific work tasks to the responsible project participant, preparation of data for the execution of the study.
3. Summary and recommendations for policymakers and forest owners from the results of stage I of the study, preparation of proposals.