Experimental forests may provide clues for resilient reforestation in the face of climate change

From left: Olivier Carcy, CEO of Indosuez Wealth Management in Europe, Tonika Hirdman, Director General of Fondation de Luxembourg, Patrick Losch, President of Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur. ©Ramunas Astrauskas 

In Clervaux, the “Klimabësch” scientific research project is testing what makes a forest resilient and how those learnings can shape sustainable forestry in an era of extreme weather. Led by the Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur and supported by Indosuez Wealth Management, through the Fondation pour le Climat under the aegis of the Fondation de Luxembourg, research teams will monitor test plots of woodlands to determine which mixed forests fare better in the face of climate change, as well as investigating the impacts of wildlife on forest regeneration, aiming to benefit forest management throughout the country.

In the Grand Duchy, forests play a crucial role in the fight against the climate crisis but are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather. In response to the imminent threats facing Luxembourg’s forests, the Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur is actively converting monoculture forests into diverse, site-adapted, and structurally rich woodlands that are more resistant to extreme weather and provide valuable habitats for a wide range of species.

In an exemplary partnership that plays tribute to their shared values, Indosuez Wealth Management, the Fondation pour le Climat under the aegis of the Fondation de Luxembourg, and the Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur have joined forces to carry out the Klimabësch conservation project in the municipality of Clervaux.

Converting a monoculture spruce stand – currently characterised by low ecological resilience – into a climate-stable, species-rich forest reserve stands at the heart of this ambitious project, led by Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur. The aim is to establish a diverse, site-specific mixed forest through targeted interventions that can better withstand climate change while providing a rich habitat for flora and fauna. Engaged alongside the Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur since 2021, Indosuez Wealth Management reaffirms, through the Klimabësch project, its deep commitment to the preservation of forest ecosystems.

Beyond the ecological restoration itself, this initiative also serves as a scientifically supported research project, in which various silvicultural methods and assessing the impact of wildlife browsing pressure on natural regeneration will be investigated using trial plots of woodland. Findings from these key areas of interest, including comparing wildlife damage, plant establishment and the natural regeneration processes among the trial plots, will benefit not only the specific site in Clervaux but are also intended to inform and enhance future forest management and reforestation projects on a national level. 

“At Indosuez, we are committed to supporting initiatives that drive meaningful, long-term change in the face of global challenges like climate transition. The Klimabësch project aligns with our strategic vision of fostering resilience through sustainable practices and scientific research. By partnering on this initiative, we aim to contribute to the development of innovative forest management solutions that will not only protect biodiversity but also create long-lasting value for local communities and future generations.”  says Olivier Carcy, Chief Executive Officer of Indosuez Europe.

Tonika Hirdman, Director General of the Fondation de Luxembourg, adds, “Climate change poses an urgent threat to forest health and biodiversity. It undermines forests’ unique ability to capture carbon, as well as weakens their natural cooling capacities for the surrounding natural ecosystems of which we, residents and non-residents of Luxembourg, are a part. The Fondation pour le Climat is working to counter these impacts by supporting local projects that safeguard healthy forests for Luxembourg’s future.”