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News

Strengthening forestry in Kosovo - International

From August 18 to 22, a five-day training course was held in Kosovo for 38 participants from the Kosovo Forest Agency (KFA) and inspectors from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The aim of the event was to deepen knowledge and experience in the field of sustainable and multifunctional forest management and to promote professional exchange.

Unit for Forest Society & International Relations
Kleine Sämlinge stehen in einer Anzuchtumgebung

How the Norway Spruce Defends Itself at the Molecular Level -

The research project FICHTETRON investigates how the Norway spruce (Picea abies) responds on a molecular level to the bark beetle species Ips typographus. The aim is to develop a standardized method for analyzing plant defense mechanisms under controlled conditions.

Department for Forest Growth, Silviculture & Genetics
Gruppenfoto der Teilnehmenden des Instituts für Naturgefahren an der INAC-Konferenz

First Inter-Alpine Natural Hazards Conference successfully carried out - Conference INAC

The first Inter-Alpine Natural Hazards Conference (INAC) took place in Innsbruck from May 5 to 7, 2025. Over 100 experts from Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Norway and Switzerland participated in the event. They came from the fields of science, industry, infrastructure and technology.

Unit for Snow & Avalanches
Ansicht

Innovation in avalanche protection: umbrella nets for snowpack stabilization - Project

Several installed umbrella nets have shown damage due to overloading. This raises the question of which typical damage patterns occur in the structure and what types and magnitudes of loads cause them. How can such damage be prevented? Additionally, it is essential to determine the required maintenance and repair measures, as well as the expected lifespan of the system.

Unit for Snow & Avalanches
Vogelperspektive auf FAST Traunkirchen mit Traunsee im Hintergrund

Summer School on Assisted Migration 2025 - Summer Academy

Together with EVOLTREE and the Czech University of Life Sciences (CZU), BFW is organizing a five-day summer school at the Forestry Training Centre in Traunkirchen from 28 July to 1 August 2025.

Department for Forest Growth, Silviculture & Genetics
Wald mit kahlen Flächen durch Borkenkäferbefall im Mölltal

Austria’s forests affected by adverse climate conditions -

Austrian Forest Inventory 2018-2023 shows effects of climate change and emphasises the importance of active forest management.

Department for Forest Inventory
Runoff in the mountain region

Code of Practice for the Assessment of Surface Runoff Coefficients - Compendium

The first BFW “Code of Practice for the Assessment of Surface Runoff Coefficients for Alpine Soil/Vegetation Complexes in Torrential Rain” has been published in 2004 (in German language). The Interreg-South East Europe-Project CC-WaterS offered the opportunity to integrate some new findings in experimental runoff research and to release a report in English language in 2011. […]

Unit for Torrent Processes & Hydrology
Baumstamm mit Höhlen

The European network Integrate - Network

As early as the COST Action E27 on the harmonization of protected forest areas (2002-2006), it became clear that protected forest areas in the strict categories account for only around 3% of Europe's forest area. The question therefore remains: what is happening in terms of biodiversity conservation in the remaining 97% of the forest?

Department for Forest Biodiversity & Nature Conservation
Yosr Hmam Spit

“We need trees. They are just as important as housing, streets or shops.” -

Cecil Konijnendijk is a scientist specialising in urban forestry. The United Nations and governments in more than 30 countries value his expertise. He is currently achieving great success with his 3-30-300 rule, which is considered a democratic tool for more green space in the city.

BFW supporting a harmonized assessment of forest availability for wood supply in Europe - USEWOOD

A new definition on forests available for wood supply has been found! BFW together with partner institutions recently published a paper on this topic.

Unit for Inventory Design & Analysis

HybOakAdapt – Genomics of hybridization in white oaks for climate-adapted Austrian forests - Project

The project, funded by the Climate Energy Fund, investigates white oak species complexes as a model system and the role of hybridization in climate adaptation. A particular focus is on Austria and south-eastern Europe.

Unit for Ecological Genetics

SUSTREE: Science based solutions and decision-support tools for adapting forests to climate change - SusSelect App

Climate change is likely to alter the future growth capacity of European forests in providing vital ecosystem services. Adaptive management aiming at reducing vulnerability and enhancing the resilience of forest ecosystems is a key to preserve the potential of forests.

Department for Forest Growth, Silviculture & Genetics