On this International Day of Forests, we highlight the vital role of science in the conservation and sustainable management of our forest ecosystems.
In 2025, we celebrate Forests and Food, exploring the link between forests and soil fertility – a fundamental connection for food security and planetary health. We also acknowledge other key ecosystem services provided by forests, such as carbon storage and serving as habitats for countless species of birds, mammals, and insects, all essential for preserving biodiversity.
At CESAM, we build on decades of research to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced by forests. From seed to soil, we develop ideas that combine sustainable production with competitiveness, exploring trees’ natural defence mechanisms and their remarkable ability to adapt. We study how forest species respond to adversities such as drought, wildfires, soil erosion, and interactions with pathogens, focusing on their physiological plasticity to support more responsible and effective forest management.
Within Research Cluster 2 – Soil Functions, Agriculture and Forests – several research projects focus on understanding soil processes and their interactions with agricultural, forest, and environmental systems. These projects aim to develop sustainable solutions that enhance soil health, ecosystem resilience, and efficient resource use. The research assesses the impacts of human activity, explores the role of soil biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration, and develops innovative practices to tackle climate change. It also integrates socio-economic dimensions and promotes transdisciplinary collaboration with stakeholders.
One pioneering project, CCforBio, investigates the benefits of ecological corridors in forest plantations, promoting biodiversity and resilience against threats such as wildfires and invasive species. Based in the Quiaios Dune National Forest, the project combines ecological restoration, remote sensing, and cost-benefit analysis. The research supports the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and strengthens CESAM’s role in conservation and environmental monitoring.
More focused on public policy, the HORIZON EUROPE FORADVISE project will develop a European network of organisations, agents, and forest advisory networks, to support the modernisation of the forestry sector and contribute towards national and EU policy goals.
CESAM’s research supports the sustainable management of forests, enhancing their conservation and environmental monitoring. By integrating scientific knowledge with targeted management actions, we promote forest ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change and human pressures, ensuring their long-term value and sustainability, in line with national and European policies.
Video: At CESAM’s Functional Plant Biology Lab, we activate plants’ natural defences using innovative strategies that begin at the seed. We strengthen the resilience of forest species, such as pine, contributing to sustainable and resilient ecosystems, ready to face future challenges.