Forests’ Future 2025: Bark Beetle Outbreak in Central Europe – Consequences and Future Challenges

It has been nearly three years since we met at the Forests’ Future 2022 conference in Jihlava to discuss the bark beetle outbreak situation in Central Europe. In recent years, the situation has continued to evolve – bark beetle infestation is decreasing in some regions while rising in others.

Fortunately, the ecological risks associated with clear-cuts have not yet manifested dramatically, but questions remain about the role of forest loss in extreme floods in Czechia in September 2024 or the risk of protective forests decline in the Alpine region. Various forest restoration practices are being applied to clearings with mixed success, and major challenges persist in achieving stable forest stands for future generations.

Although the intensity of bark beetle outbreak is currently decreasing, it will have long-term implications for forest economy and policy. The risk of a recurrence due to weather change remains high. These critical issues will be addressed during the third FORESTS´FUTURE conference.