SafeNet is developing science-based strategies to safeguard biodiversity and carbon-rich forests in Europe by combining advanced monitoring, modelling, and stakeholder collaboration across diverse forest landscapes.
“Integrating anticipatory conservation strategies and commercial management of forests and habitats is essential for safeguarding species communities under climate change”
– SafeNet co-coordinator Mikko Peltoniemi,
Research Professor at the Natural Resources Institute Finland.
The Challenge
Europe’s primary and old-growth forests – critical for climate regulation, biodiversity, and human well-being – face growing threats from climate change, intensive land use, and habitat loss and fragmentation. Protecting these forests means navigating a complex mix of environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Forests are expected to provide natural resources, support local communities, and help meet climate goals, all amid rising ecological stress. Yet, key knowledge gaps remain, especially around how forests and species are changing under different climate and land use conditions.
To address these challenges, there is a clear and urgent need for improved monitoring, stronger forecasting tools, and closer cooperation between science, policy, and practice.
Programme
Horizon Europe (Call Topic: HORIZON-CL6-2024-BIODIV-01-8 Conservation and protection of carbon-rich and biodiversity-rich forest ecosystems)
Type of Action
Research and Innovation Action
Duration
(54 months)
Consortium
14 partners from 11 countries
Coordinator
Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)
Total Budget
€6.2 million
SafeNet’s main goal is to support the conservation of biodiversity and carbon-rich forest ecosystems across the European Union by addressing the risks posed by climate change and unsustainable land use.
The project brings together cutting-edge science and stakeholder collaboration to co-develop practical, forward-looking strategies for forest conservation, restoration, and management. Through advanced monitoring, modelling, and scenario analysis, SafeNet will generate integrated knowledge and guidance to help policymakers and forest managers make informed decisions that balance ecological integrity with societal needs.
Objective 1
Develop methods to quantify, monitor and map biodiversity and climate aspects of European forest ecosystems.
Objective 2
Predict the impacts of climate change on forest biodiversity, migration and climate refugia.
Objective 3
Identification and evaluation of forest management approaches to support biodiversity and climate change mitigation.
Objective 4
Effective conservation options for safeguarding biodiversity in European forests, while reconciling socio-economic demands for wood and other ecosystem services.
Objective 5
Co-create transformative solutions that foster forest ecosystem biodiversity and resilience with forest-based value chain stakeholders, conservationists and policy makers.
Objective 6
Disseminate, communicate project’s results to accelerate the uptake of solutions among relevant regional, national and EU stakeholders.
Expected Results
SafeNet will deliver a range of practical and science-based outcomes to support forest conservation and sustainable management across Europe. Key expected results include:
- Improved monitoring tools
New and enhanced methods for field monitoring and remote sensing will make it easier to track biodiversity and identify carbon-rich and old-growth forests across different landscapes. - Best practices for forest conservation and management
Guidance and tested strategies for sustainable forest management that balance biodiversity protection with the provision of wood and other ecosystem services. - Better understanding of future forest changes
Insights into how biodiversity and carbon stocks are likely to develop under different climate and land use scenarios, helping to inform long-term planning. - Identification of key ecological corridors
Mapping of important migration routes and areas where connectivity is limited, to support species movement and ecosystem resilience in a changing climate. - Targeted conservation planning
Spatially prioritised recommendations for conservation and management actions, both at the European level and within local case study areas. - A roadmap for protecting Europe’s most valuable forests
A strategic framework for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and the biodiversity they support, aligned with EU policy goals and restoration targets.