Mainstreaming resilience in forest policy: from diverse ecosystems to tailored financial incentives

Across Europe and beyond, forests are sending a clear distress signal. The vast stands of single-species forests, planted for economic efficiency, are proving dangerously fragile in the face of escalating climate change. Research shows that diversity is key to resilience, but it’s not as simple as planting more species. The secret lies in creating the right mix, combining trees with different strengths to build a forest that is more than the sum of its parts. Yet, forest owners face a tough choice between short-term profit and long-term stability. This brief shows that to break the deadlock, we need smart policies and financial incentives that make resilience an economically viable choice, supported by robust, shared data to guide the shift towards healthier, more adaptable forests.