# IN-SYLVA Europe - Forest ecosystem adaptation to global changes

Laurent Saint-andré, Jean-François Trontin, Céline Meredieu, Christian

Pichot, Luc E. Pâques, Zhun Mao, Cecile Robin, Hervé Jactel, Lucie

Vincenot, Loic Brancheriau, et al.

► To cite this version:

Laurent Saint-andré, Jean-François Trontin, Céline Meredieu, Christian Pichot, Luc E. Pâques, et al.. IN-SYLVA Europe - Forest ecosystem adaptation to global changes. 2. International Workshop on Plant Genetic Resources - Workshop on GRACE collaboration and synergies with international organizations and research Infrastructures, Giovanni Giuliano, Panagiotis Kalaitzis (GRACE), Oct 2025, Chania (Crète) and online, Greece. http://hal-05308857

HAL Id: hal-05308857

https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05308857v1

Submitted on 10 Oct 2025

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Public Domain
New Research Infrastructure (RI) development

# Forest ecosystem adaptation to global changes

A long-term, forest-focused, pan-European and distributed RI for tailoring adaptation strategies towards sustainable forest management

IN
SYLVA
EUROPE

Lead Country
& Institution

FRANCE

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INRAE
ECODIV Dpt

INRAE

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cirad

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
AND NEWS INFORMAT

CIRAD

URN

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UNIVERSITÉ
DE ROUEN
NORD-MANDI

Co-coordination

FINLAND

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LUKE

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Luke

NATURAL RESOURCES
INSTITUTE FINLAND

Co-coordination

DENMARK

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UCPH

UNIVERSITY OF
COPENHAGEN

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**Coordinator** - L. SAINT-ANDRÉ

Laurent.saint-andre@inrae.fr

**Project Manager** - J.-F. TRONTIN

Jean-francois.trontin@inrae.fr

**Coordination team**

**INRAE** C. MEREDIEU, C. PICHOT, L. PÂQUES, Z. MAO, C. ROBIN, H. JACTEL

**URN** L. VINCENOT

**CIRAD** L. BRANCHERIAU

**Luke** S. SORVARI SUNDET, V. ALENIUS, T. ARONEN, M. KURTTILA

**UCPH** A. BASTRUP-BIRK, T. NORD-LARSEN

No forest adaptation without biodiversity.
no biodiversity without forest adaptation

ESFRI

ESFRI
application

submitted

8th April 2025

ENVIRONMENT

October 9th, 2025
Workshop

GRACE collaboration and
synergies with International
Organizations and RIs
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Can we maintain the multiple services provided by Europe's forest ecosystems in the face of global change?

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IN
SYLVA
EUROPE

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# Structuring forestry R&D services around EXPERIMENTATION to drive innovation (thematic RI)

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IN SITU

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Field site networks
Experimentation

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IN EDU

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Knowledge transfer
Impact, education & training

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IN LAB

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Analytical platforms
Pheno & envirotyping

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IN SILICO

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Data analysis
Info., modelling & simulation

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# Joining forces from a large international partnership providing over 200 **in situ**, **in lab**, **in silico** Services

37 Partners/20 countries already signed the MoU

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# Developing strong impact pathways for science-based forest knowledge & technologies

Forests policy

Innovation in forest management

Ecosystem functioning

Implementation of sustainable future forest trajectories
(at different scales)

## IMPACTS

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→ User-oriented tools

**Living labs**
Knowledge & innovation

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**Co-constructed solutions**
EU landscape | Stakeholders involved

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→ Practical use cases

**Lighthouses**
Demonstration

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**Knowledge transfer**
24 universities & high schools

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→ Educational resources

**Learning labs**
Education & training

## OUTCOMES

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**Forest experimentation**
2D [Concept] & 3D [Object]

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**Science - Society Interactions**

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**Forest adaptation**
4D [Evolution scenarios]

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Jandl et al. 2019. doi: 10.1007/s13595-019-0827-x

## IMPLEMENTATION

**Innovative methods**

**New approaches**
# How do we stand out from other forest-related RIs?

→ Providing large-scale, field site networks dedicated to forest adaptation experiments

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THE
GLOBAL
TIMELINE

2023
**2026**

2027
**2030** →Legal status

2031
**2034**

2035
**2054**

Design

Preparation

Implementation

Operation

10 y max.

20 y+

WE ARE
HERE!

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Concept defined, design & feasibility ongoing until 2026

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Consortium of 37 Founding Partners established (MoU signed)

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ESFRI Roadmap 2026 application (8th April 2025)

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**Political support** 10 countries (BE, DK, ES, FI, FR, NZ, PT, RS, SE, SK)

**Financial support**
* 3 countries (FRANCE, SPAIN, NEW ZEALAND)
* 25 research organisations

**Expressions of interest** 87 stakeholders in 16 countries

<figure><img src="image_45.png" /></figure>
# Investment plan

Over all RI development phases

<table><thead><tr><th>ESTIMATED COSTS</th><th>TOTAL (M€)</th><th>COMMITMENT (M€)</th><th>COVERAGE (%)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>TOTAL INVESTMENT (from 2023)</td><td>207</td><td>55.15</td><td>26.6</td></tr><tr><td>DESIGN (2023-2026)</td><td>2</td><td>2.0</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>PREPARATION (2027-2030)</td><td>8</td><td>7.32</td><td>91.5</td></tr><tr><td>IMPLEMENTATION (2031-2034)</td><td>194</td><td>45.83</td><td>23.6</td></tr><tr><td>TERMINATION (from 2049)</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>AVERAGE ANNUAL OPERATION COSTS (from 2034)</td><td>37</td><td>19.79</td><td>53.3</td></tr></tbody></table>

## FORESEEN LARGE INVESTMENTS DURING IMPLEMENTATION

(discussion in progress with partners)

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IN SITU

32.7
M€

* IoT modular sticks

* Drone squadrons

* Off-road robots

* Upgrade/harmonisation of existing facilities

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IN LAB

23.0
M€

* High-throughput lab equipment for automatization & scaling-up

* Cutting-edge analytical instruments

* Buildings

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IN SILICO

8.5
M€

* Software (modelling, simulation, virtual reality)

* Hardware / high-performance computing, virtual headsets

* Hardware / data infrastructures

* Buildings (for low-equipped countries)

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IN EDU

4.2
M€

* Demonstration & educational sites

* Digital learning platforms and virtual labs

* Scientific equipment dedicated to professional training and participatory sciences initiatives
# Service types

(% of 179 Service entries by Partners)

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Scientific fields

(% of 179 Service entries by Partners)

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# Complementarity between IN-SYLVA Europe RI and GRACE-RI

→ Forest ecosystem adaptation vs. PGR conservation & use: positioning within the framework of PGR/FGR management

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# Integration potential: synergies and collaboration opportunities

## Conceptual integration in forestry/agroforestry:

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- Genebanks & secure conservation

- Genome-wide genetic characterization & phenotyping

- Genomic, predictive modeling

- Bioinformatic frameworks for big data analysis

- Legal and phytosanitary frameworks for PGR management

- Experimental site networks & flexible (IoT) instrumentation

- Ecosystem-level (field) characterization, phenotyping & envirotyping

- Ecophysiological & socio-ecological modeling

- Biological & environmental data management

- Decision support & deployment pathways for selected FGR

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**Together:** Enable predictive, multiscale FGR management from genes to ecosystems, from conservation to deployment of adapted forest varieties in a legal EU framework

## Key joint opportunities (tentative):

- Shared **data standards and interoperability** (FAIR principles, joint metadata structures).

- **Interoperable meta-portal for PGR/FGR (data) management.**

- Joint modelling frameworks combining molecular-to-ecosystem scales (link genomic → ecophysiological → socio-ecological models).

- **Build multi-scale digital twins for adaptation & resilience forecasting** (from genome to ecosystem).

- **Common training and outreach programmes** (PGR/FGR management, bridging agroforestry and forestry).

- Collaborative **policy and service interface** for access, biosecurity, benefit sharing, co-design and deployment of FGR (jointly cover entire policy chain for FGR management).
# IN-SYLVA EUROPE
## Forest ecosystem adaptation to global change

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IN
SYLVA
EUROPE

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## Thanks for your attention!

A long-term forest RI initiative led by France based on seed multinational European projects!

A multinational effort involving already over 260 people!

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Small seed embryos to become well-adapted trees in a changing environment!
IN-SYLVA Europe RI development towards sustainable forest ecosystem management!

© J.-F. Trontin

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# Two-way collaboration strategy with 13 ESFRI Research Infrastructures
## Towards enhanced inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborative EU projects on forest adaptation

## Increasing knowledge on forest adaptation

Contribution (OUTPUTS to RIs): deepen ecosystem knowledge

Benefits (INPUTS from RIs): formalised forest research

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IN
SYLVA
EUROPE

## Fostering technological innovation

Contribution (OUTPUTS to RIs): enhanced technologies

Benefits (INPUTS from RIs): formalised technological deployment

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### GHG AND OTHER ATMOSPHERE ISSUES

#### ICOS-ERIC (L)

* Carbon cycle

* GHG monitoring

* Intensive instrumentation

#### ACTRIS-ERIC (L)

* Short-lived constituents

* Air quality monitoring

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### ECOSYSTEM STRUCTURE/FUNCTION

#### ANAEE-ERIC (L)

IN

Ecosystem functioning; Biotic and abiotic interactions; Intensive instrumentation

OUT

Testing/modelling (large gradients)

Thesaurus/ontology (forest ecosystems)

#### eLTER RI (P)

* Ecosystem dynamics

* Socio-ecological approach

* Integrated standard observation

* Intensive instrumentation

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### COLLECTIONS

#### DISSCO (P)

* Biorepositories

* Natural collections

* Digitisation services

#### MIRRI-ERIC (L)

* Microbial resources

* Ecosystem biomonitoring
(e.g., soil health, zoonoses)

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### SAMPLING - PHENOTYPING - DATA

#### ELIXIR (L)

* High-throughput data management & analysis

* Chemistry, genetics/ genomics

#### LIFEWATCH-ERIC (L)

* Biodiversity & ecosystem research

* Massive data computing

* Advanced modelling

#### EMPHASIS (P)

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IN

Lean, efficient phenotyping

- IoT sensors

- High-resolution wireless networks

- Remotely operated autonomous system

OUT

Field plots across large gradients

Experimental datasets for modelling

#### GRACE (C)

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IN

PGR conservation

Breeding technologies

OUT

PGR experimentation

#### EU-IBISBA (P)

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IN

Envirotyping tools

OUT

Forest biotechs

#### Euro-BioImaging-ERIC (L)

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IN

Time-lapse imaging for phenotyping & envirotyping in vivo (e.g. PET)

OUT

Field plots for Proof-of-Concept of new imaging technology in the field

#### OPERAS (P)

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IN

Methodologies for open and collaborative citizen science

Transnational access of resources and integration in EOSC

Analytics of open access content

OUT

Participatory forest research in citizen science with a focus on social sciences and humanities
# Users needs at European level, besides national initiatives

## Bottlenecks

- Fragmentation, lack of harmonized procedures and pheno- & enviro-typing tools

- Insufficient capacities for characterisation of genetic resources and their environment

- Low integration of data and long term sharing in Europe
- Insufficient science-based tools for stakeholders

## Needs

### Forest experimentation (ca. 200 k sites)

- Genotype x Environment x Silviculture interactions

- Remote access using modular, lightweight and low cost devices

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IN SITU

### High throughput and diversified analytical platforms

- Forest ecosystem compartments and components, tree/wood and soil traits, pipelines for samples analysis

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IN LAB

### Information systems

- Long term access to FAIR metadata & data

<figure><img src="image_75.png" /></figure>

IN SILICO

### Modelling & simulation (+ mobile Apps)

- Integration of interdisciplinary data into diagnosis and modelling tools integrating climate change scenarios

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IN
SYLVA
EUROPE

Main
aim

To set up an European RI with a multilateral, distributed design gathering **in situ**, **in lab** and **in silico** resources & services for the continuous adaptation of forest ecosystems to global change
# Forestry information, education and training services

Internal/external training services and mobility (capacity-building programme)

High-quality Open Educational Resources (OERs) to meet education needs (knowledge, skills, technologies)

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SLU

université
"BORDEAUX

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UNIVERSITY OF
EASTERN FINLAND

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UNIVERSITÉ
DE LORRAINE

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UNIVERSITÉ DE
MONTPELLIER

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AgroParisTech

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UNIVERSITY OF
BELGRADE

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HAUTE ÉCOLE
CONDORCET

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BF

UNIVERZA
V LJUBLJANI
Biotehnička
fakulteta

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UNIVERSITY
of SOPRON

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UCLouvain

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Technical University
of Kosice

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COMENIUS
UNIVERSITY
BRATISLAVA

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UNIVERSIDADE
DE LISBOA

universität freiburg

<figure><img src="image_94.png" /></figure>

Faculty of Forestry
and Wood Sciences

<figure><img src="image_95.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_96.png" /></figure>

Universitatea
Transilvania
din Braşov

TUM

Technische Universität München

GA

UNIVERSITAT
GÖTTINGEN

<figure><img src="image_97.png" /></figure>

IN
EDU

<figure><img src="image_98.png" /></figure>

IN
SYLVA
EUROPE

## 1- Increase excellence of Partner's research facilities staff (e.g., new professions with evolving technologies)

## 2-Development of new curricula for the future of forests e.g., multicriteria analysis and illustrative learning environments (practical and/or virtual forest showcase)

## 3-Increase science-based forest knowledge in the Society

24 universities & high schools from 14 countries
# Target users of IN-SYLVA EUROPE services

## ↓ Scientific communities ↓

**G1- Scientists directly involved in forest ecosystem adaptation**

**G2- Scientists who can benefit from and further contribute to improving RI services**

<table><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">Forest publication<br>corpus in EU</th><th>2002</th><th>2009</th></tr><tr><th>2011</th><th>2019</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Tatry & Leiser 2012<br>Païvinen et al. 2023</td><td>141,326</td><td>&gt;182,000</td></tr></tbody></table>

20 countries (50-80% international collaboration)

## ↓ Other stakeholders ↓

**G3- Stakeholders controlling and/or benefiting from forest ecosystem services**

**G4- Stakeholders with needs in forest/forestry education & training**

**87 letters of interest from 16 EU countries**

(including 8 ministries, 17 agencies, industries, universities, forest organisations, NGOs, etc.)
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<figure><img src="image_100.png" /></figure>

# Scientific fields

(% of 89 in situ Services by Partners)

<figure><img src="image_101.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_102.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_103.png" /></figure>

# Scientific fields

(% of 63 in lab Services by Partners)

<figure><img src="image_104.png" /></figure>
# Scientific fields

(% of 67 in situ Services by Partners)

<figure><img src="image_105.png" /></figure>