2026 - WaldDialog – Forest Dialogue – Dialogue Forestier

Climate change advances and the summer of 2026 is already being described as “extreme”. Professionals working in forestry practice, forest science, forest administrations and forest owners from Switzerland, Germany, and France came together for a day of cross-border-exchanges on 10^th September 2026 aiming to discuss how to deal with the consequences.

The presentations and questions revolved primarily around the subject of biodiversity and natural tree regeneration as well as their role in increasing resilience and adaptation of managed forests against increasing challenges of droughts, heat waves, storms and insect calamities. The presentations were held either in German or French while being visualized in both languages, along with simultaneous translation. The programme included four very active ‘fishbowl’ discussions in three languages (adding English), tri-lingual poster presentations, and ample networking opportunities. Participants from all countries appreciated this multi-lingual approach that encouraged their cross border participation.

The event was hosted by the University of Basel, TriNationalForestLab, SwissForestLab, Conference of Cantons’ Foresters (KoK), and Eidgenössisches Bundesamt für Umwelt (BAFU) and co-funded by the VELUX Stiftung.

Contact: carol.grossmann(AT)forst.bwl.de