The project RESILIENT TREES is implemented in the framework of the Interreg Europe programme and co-financed by the European Union.
[project duration: 1 May 2025 – 31 July 2029]
Context
Old-growth forests and monumental trees are rare and irreplaceable components of Europe’s natural and cultural heritage, holding exceptionally high conservation value. These resources support endangered species, provide essential ecosystem services, enhance ecological resilience, climate adaptation, and human well-being.
Despite their importance, old-growth forests continue to decline due to ongoing forest degradation and biodiversity loss. Today, they cover less than 3% of Europe’s total forest area and are often small and fragmented. Although the European Commission has issued guidelines aimed at ensuring their strict protection, many countries still lack a practical, science-based methodology for identifying and managing these critical habitats.
Monumental and veteran trees are exceptionally long-living organisms and keystone structures that have a disproportionate positive effect on the ecosystems where they occur. They support a wide range of species and ecological processes, yet often lack clear national-level guidelines for their identification, protection, and management. At the same time, climate change and land-use intensification are accelerating their decline, and the next generation of such trees is becoming increasingly rare.
Project
RESILIENT TREES aims at strengthening biodiversity protection by effectively translating improved policies into action for old-growth forests and monumental or veteran trees. Its objectives include:
- Formally recognizing the vital role these trees and forests play in conserving biodiversity and enhancing landscape resilience.
- Developing harmonized procedures for their identification and management, tailored to the diverse ecological and cultural contexts across Europe—from high conservation value forest reserves to cultural landscapes.
- Promoting the exchange and transfer of best practices among regions and stakeholders.
Through its participatory approach, RESILIENT TREES seeks to address the conflicting interests that threaten these natural resources. The project raises awareness about the exceptional ecosystem services they provide and supports their protection by designing compensatory measures.
Partners
Coordinator: Institute of BioEconomy, National Research Council (Italy)
Piemonte Region, Directorate for the Environment, Energy and Land Use, Forest Unit (Italy)
University of Évora (Portugal)
Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania)
State Service for the Protected Areas under the Ministry of Environment (Lithuania)
Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague (Czech Republic)
ILIRIA – Protection and Social & Environmental Development Association (Albania)
National Forestry Agency (Albania)
BROZ – conservation association (Slovakia)
Project coordinator
dr.ssa Livia Zapponi livia.zapponi [at] cnr.it
IBE personnel involved in the project
Maria Novella Manciani
dr.ssa Francesca Martelli
dr Giorgio Matteucci
dr Martino Negri