Upscaling Route Map - NRW Germany demonstration area

The overarching goal of the reforestation efforts implemented in the NRW demo region is to restore resilient forests that continue to provide vital ecosystem services such as timber, clean water, and recreational spaces, while addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The adopted restoration approach emphasizes the establishment of mixed-species forests to enhance resilience against climate change and future biotic and abiotic threats. The implemented reforestation approach aligns with the reforestation and silviculture concepts developed by NRW’s Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection and the State Forest Service. The demonstration sites established through the SUPERB project serve as practical models for forest owners and managers, supported by government funding schemes, thereby laying the foundation for scaling up reforestation efforts across the region.

This document, the “Upscaling Route Map” for the demonstration region North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), provides a reflection and analysis of barriers and enablers to the reforestation of bark beetle calamity areas in NRW. Barriers are identified across political, economic, social, technical, and environmental dimensions, drawing on insights gained from the establishment of approx. 34 hectares of demonstration sites in collaboration with seven associate partners across various forest ownership types.

While not exhaustive, the report highlights key factors to consider when planning and scaling reforestation efforts of calamity areas in NRW. Among the key barriers identified are high restoration costs, a lack of certified seed sources, and conflicting approaches to reforestation from governmental nature conservation and forest management authorities. A key enabler is the ongoing establishment of a network of demonstration sites in NRW, which serve as practical examples for forest owners on how existing knowledge and funding schemes can be leveraged to reforest calamity areas with site-adapted species mixtures.