Management of Mediterranean Pine forests for Optimizing carbon and water balance under climate change.
To optimize the management of Mediterranean pine forests by enhancing carbon and water balance, thereby addressing climate challenges through an integrative approach that combines ecophysiological responses of trees, forest management, biodiversity conservation, and the use of mechanistic models.
Aleppo pine (Pinus
halepensis Mill.) and Scots pine (Pinus brutia
Ten.) forests are widespread in Greece and the Mediterranean,
characterized by low productivity. In light of evolving climate
change, it is an immediate priority to reassess their
management, focusing on carbon storage, improving water balance,
and reducing fire risk.
In this context, the PineOptim project's main objectives are:
- The creation of a network of permanent forest plots in Aleppo
and Scots pine forests in Xanthi, Chalkidiki, and Lesvos, with
the aim of long-term ecological research in these ecosystems.
- The development and implementation of a common, harmonized
methodology for monitoring the carbon and water balance in
Mediterranean pine forests.
- The creation of a reliable model for predicting the response
of these forests to different forest management practices and
various climate change scenarios.
Gather existing information, design and implement a harmonized carbon and water flux measurement protocol and create a common database.
Training of the mechanistic model, re-calculation of coefficients for the model's parameters using the common database, and assessment with observed carbon and water flux data from an Eddy covariance tower. Application of the model under different forest management and climate change scenarios.
Statistical analysis to assess the common database and model simulations, with the aim of selecting the optimal forest stand structure under different climate change scenarios.
Proposals for good forest management practices to improve the carbon and water balance of Mediterranean pine forests, along with the communication and dissemination of results to society, the academic and research community, and all stakeholders involved in forest management.
We will be glad to answer any questions you might have.
Project Coordinator - Scientific Manager: Professor Kalliopi Radoglou
+30 2552041138
