NBS short description

Mountain Forest Initiative works on the huge challenge to 
adapt forests to climate change to secure multiple ecosystem services (=“forest functions”, multifunctional forestry). A very important service of forests in mountain area is to reduce natural hazards (landslides, avalanches, water retention to reduce risks of flooding). This is best achieved by mixed, structured well maintained forests. Forests are also important for biodiversity (e.g. rare endangered species). The area and forests are an important destination for overnight and day tourism, as well as providing recreation of local residents. 
Most forests are planted Norway Spruce (Picea Abies) stands. 
(Spruce is natural only to high mountain altitudes in larger 
stands and the tree species suffering the most from climate 
change. Natural forests would be mixed with large shares of broadleaves, White Fir (Abies Alba), containing only small shares of spruce in this area. Forest often are in a poor condition and not well maintained (an issue e.g. to reduce risks of natural hazards) and provision of Ecosystem Services is low – especially in terms of protection and biodiversity. With some remaining full time and quite many part time farmers (often in combination with Agri-tourism) owning forests, an increasing share are “urban“ forest owners not living close to their forests and with little or no skills and knowledge about forests. Forest management is striving to achieve a better state of the regional forests providing multiple benefits is difficult and is faced by a variety of (des-) interests (e.g. recreation, hunting). To tackle the challenges, forest authorities 
started the “Mountain Forest Initiative” to work together with 
forest owners in project areas to enhance the situation of the 
forests by co-creating solutions.

Governance of the case

Concept case, stakeholders, agencies and policy makers 
sharing their experiences, barriers experienced and how to
overcome the barriers. Authority shifted to work as equal partners in project areas. Competitions and project areas selected by advisory board with renown, respected representatives covering all different stakeholder groups. Formats try to include a broad range of stakeholders and co-creating processes including academic and knowledge institutions.

Challenges raised during the preparatory meetings

Interests of the local Mountain Forest Initiative: How to reach out to stakeholders, especially „quiet ones“, enhance communication and information, raise awareness, create interest and motivation to participate and act. Urgence of action as mountain areas are more affected by changing climate and effects are more extreme.

Who owns the land?

Mainly private land owners, ownership is often small scale 
(around 4 ha) and dispersed over many patches in difficult, 
steep terrain. Some larger land owners, communities and 
state-owned land, the latter often as a forerunner and showcase (e.g. peatland restoration, management for rare species). Forest operation co-operatives are active to help forest owners managing their land and joint marketing of timber. 
Varying interests and knowledge of forest owners.

Relevance for the lighthouse

The Mountain Forest Initiative is an interesting assessment 
case for TRANS-lighthouses. Aiming at the reestablishment 
of forests and forest management, with more than 2.000 
activities and more than 8..6 Mio. Euros invested, more than 
1.100 ha of forests covered with activities and more than 
220.000 trees planted. With a variety of very different stakeholders engaged, “champions”, agencies shifting paradigms 
from sovereign roles to partners meeting on equal ground, 
award-winning communication, it is an interesting case to 
learn and share experiences.

Local partners, associations, initiatives and champions engaged

Mountain Forest initiative, Agency for Food, Agriculture and 
Forestry, Kempten, Bavarian State Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Forestry, Forest Operation Co-Operatives, Forest Ownership Associations, Communities, e.g. Immenstadt included in project areas, hunting association, other agencies such as the Water Authorities, Hiking and Nature conservation associations, German Alpine Club, Nature Park Nagelfluhkette, forest owners, some project areas are forerunners and champions with measures, local and regional politicians such as District Deputy, renown persons from the area as spokespersons (e.g. local ski jump champion Karl Geiger)