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Helge Drange (Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research), Matti Haapanen (Metla), Tore Skrøppa and Øystein Johnsen (Norwegian Forest & Landscape Institute) held presentations on climate change and the climatic adaptations of forest trees.
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The forests surrounding Bergen offers great possibilities for recreation, including nice viewpoints.
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Bernt-Håvard Øyen started by drawing the long lines of Nordic afforestation history. A common factor in the Nordic countries has been that afforestation originated from a wish to create resources, work and values in the local communities and regions. Decades later, the debate on environmental issues connected to afforestation evolved.
Helge Drange held a (frightening) relevant presentation on known and expected climate challenges, followed by talks about the forest trees' ability to adapt to a changed climate. As breeders and forest managers we have means to contribute to this adaption.
Other topics included future challenges in pathology and entomology, economical aspects of afforestation, biodiversity in natural vs. planted forests, the use of exotic species, and people’s attitudes and aesthetical preferences concerning forests and afforestation.
During the sightseeing at Bryggen, the old quay in Bergen, sustainable use of wood was demonstrated. In Bryggen's 300 years old wooden buildings, both culture and CO2 are preserved. An excursion to the urban forests (afforested from 1880 and onwards) at Fløyen created an opportunity for further discussions about afforestation, the use of exotics, and people's use of the forest for recreational purposes.
The programme and presentations can be downloaded from this webpage
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