The Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CULS) is one of the partners in the international research project FORbEST funded under the Horizon Europe programme. The project brings together leading European research institutions, universities, forest managers, and key stakeholders with the shared goal of protecting and strengthening the resilience of forest ecosystems in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss. The principal investigator of the project at CULS is Dr. Martin Mikoláš from the Department of Forest Ecology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences.
The FORbEST project runs from 2025 to 2029 with a total budget of nearly EUR 6 million. It is coordinated by the University of Oulu (Finland) and involves partners from several European biogeographical regions, as well as one site outside the EU in Northern Thailand. This broad geographical scope enables comparative research across diverse climatic, ecological, and socio-economic conditions.
The main objective of FORbEST is to enhance the protection of natural and semi-natural forest habitats, which play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, climate regulation, and biodiversity conservation. The project seeks to better understand the long-term impacts of historical and current forest management practices and to develop sustainable forest management approaches that balance ecological integrity with societal needs.
A key feature of the project is its interdisciplinary and participatory approach. FORbEST combines advanced scientific methods—such as remote sensing, modelling, artificial intelligence, and ecosystem services assessment—with active stakeholder engagement through so-called Living Labs. These platforms foster collaboration among scientists, forest managers, landowners, public authorities, and citizens, enabling the co-creation of practical solutions for the sustainable future of forests.
The Czech University of Life Sciences Prague contributes to FORbEST through its expertise in forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable forest management. Drawing on its long-standing experience in forestry, ecology, and nature conservation, CULS plays an active role in key research activities and helps translate scientific knowledge into practical recommendations applicable to European forestry practice and environmental policy-making.
The FORbEST project represents an important opportunity for international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and innovation, while further strengthening the role of the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague as a respected partner in leading European research initiatives focused on the sustainable use of natural resources and environmental protection.