Forisk

19/05/2026

Responding to biotic threats: FoRISK’s work on pests and diseases 🐞

Insect pests and forest diseases are spreading faster and further under changing climatic conditions, placing significant pressure on forest ecosystems across the pan-European region.

FoRISK’s Expert Group on Biotic Agents will work to improve early awareness and shared understanding of emerging biotic risks, exchange knowledge on prevention, preparedness and response measures, support science-based recommendations for forest management and policy, and strengthen cooperation across countries and disciplines.

This year, we plan to:

🪲 Create fact sheets with an overview of biotic threats according to data provided by specific countries, under the guidance and support of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic (Ministerstvo zemědělství), and the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.

Addressing biotic agents requires early action, shared intelligence and coordinated responses. FoRISK provides the network and expertise needed to turn knowledge into effective risk management.

Check more info about our activities in 2026 here 👉🏻 https://forisk.org/forisk-strategic-and-operational-work-programme/

12/05/2026

Understanding and reducing windstorm risks in forests 🌬️

Windstorms remain one of the most damaging natural disturbances affecting Europe’s forests. From large-scale catastrophic events to recurrent endemic impacts on stand stability.

FoRISK will focus on sharing good practices to reduce wind damage risk, strengthening the understanding of forest predisposition and vulnerability, and supporting adaptive forest management under changing climate conditions.

We plan to:

💨 Establish a working group starting with countries that experienced severe windstorms in the past, to reflect on windstorm prevention, and be enlarged with all FoRISK experts in 2027.

⛈️ Propose a checklist for countries to understand and reflect on the preventive management measures and the potential development of prevention and preparedness plans.

By fostering transboundary cooperation and evidence-based solutions, FoRISK helps translate scientific insights into practical guidance that supports forest resilience and long-term sustainability.

🤔 Still curious? Take a look at our Work Programme here 👉🏻 https://forisk.org/forisk-strategic-and-operational-work-programme/

11/05/2026

Wildfires are becoming more frequent, intense and complex, posing growing challenges for forests, communities and policymakers across the pan-European region.

Through our Expert Group in Wildfires, FoRISK will address these challenges by focusing on prevention and preparedness strategies rooted in science and practice, capacity building through workshops and training, and evidence-based recommendations to support national and regional decision-making

This year, we plan to:
🔥 Publish two fact sheets focusing on wildfire preventive measures applied in Switzerland with a pan-European perspective (Federal Office for the Environment FOEN).
🔥 Develop tailor-made wildfires practical training answering the needs of different countries.
🔥 Participate in several international events and practical trainings to promote FoRISK work and activities, such as the next Forest Camp in Poland (for the second year in a row).

Wildfire risk requires coordinated responses that go beyond borders and sectors. FoRISK provides a platform where science, policy and practice come together to strengthen forest adaptation to a changing climate.

Check more about our plans for 2026 here 👉🏻 https://forisk.org/forisk-strategic-and-operational-work-programme/

30/04/2026

Introducing the FoRISK Strategic (2025–2030) and Operational Work Programme (2025–2026) 🌲

We are pleased to launch the FoRISK Strategic Work Programme 2025–2030 and the Operational Work Programme 2025–2026, a major step towards strengthening forest resilience and disaster risk management across pan-Europe.

Developed collaboratively with the FoRISK Steering Committee and Secretariat, the Programme sets out a shared roadmap to address increasing forest disturbances driven by climate change, including wildfires, windstorms and biotic agents.

What the Work Programme delivers:

🌳 A science-policy-practice platform for forest risk management
🌲 Stronger transboundary and cross-sectoral cooperation
👷🏻‍♂️ Capacity building, expert exchange and evidence-based guidance
🌍 A Rapid Response tool to support countries facing acute or emerging forest disturbances

Hosted by the European Forest Institute (EFI) in Bonn, FoRISK brings together policymakers, researchers and practitioners to strengthen crisis management strategies and actions focusing on prevention and preparedness across the region.

📘 Explore here how FoRISK is working to safeguard Europe’s forests 📄 https://forisk.org/forisk-strategic-and-operational-work-programme/

28/04/2026

FoRISK present in the Informal Meeting of EU Forest Directors-General 🇪🇺

This week, Directors‑General responsible for forest matters within the Council of the European Union are meeting in Pafos, Cyprus🇨🇾, to discuss Climate Change and Challenges in Forest Ecosystem Management, with particular emphasis on forest fires and biodiversity.

👩🏻‍💻 Silvia Abruscato, Coordinator of the FoRISK Secretariat, delivered a keynote presentation focusing on FoRISK and its role in supporting the implementation of the objectives set out in the new Communication, across Europe and beyond.

🔥 Her presentation included an introduction to the FoRISK establishment, highlighting the FOREST EUROPE Bonn Ministerial Decision, followed by an overview of the goals and strategic directions defined by the FoRISK Signatories. It highlighted the importance of prevention and preparedness in disaster risk management, with particular attention to wildfires and the need to account for interconnected risks. The presentation also outlined FoRISK activities planned for 2026 and illustrated how FoRISK is ready to support the implementation of the objectives of the new Communication on integrated wildfires risk management by the European Commission across the pan‑European region.

🌳 These meetings are crucial for raising awareness of FoRISK at an early stage within decision‑making circles and for fostering potential future collaborations in countries across the region where forest risk planning, prevention, preparedness, and management represent pressing needs. Through these actions, we aim to continue expanding the scope of collaboration and to strengthen our network of experts with diversity and expertise across all relevant fields.

We warmly thank the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 for the invitation. Greetings from Cyprus to all our forest risk community!

European Forest Institute (EFI)

22/04/2026

Key takeaways from the first FOREST EUROPE webinar on SoEF 2025 🌲

The exchanges during the webinar highlighted a shared understanding: as forest disturbances intensify across regions, preparedness, coordination and long‑term thinking are more critical than ever.

🔎 Roman Michalak (UNECE) reminded us that accurate, timely and harmonised information is foundational for strengthening countries’ preparedness when facing increasing forest disturbances.

🔥 From Portugal, João Verde (National Agency for Integrated Management of Rural Fires) stressed that working on wildfire suppression alone is not sufficient. Instead, countries need an integrated wildfire management approach, backed by strong multi‑level cooperation among all stakeholders.

🌬️ The experience shared by Jason Hubert (Scottish Forest Sector Development) underlined the importance of preparedness: having a plan in place before a windstorm event, bringing people together in advance and relying on robust data as a foundation can make all the difference when extreme events strike.

🌍 Finally, Tomáš Krejzar, from the Ministerstvo zemědělství (Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic), highlighted that crises can also be opportunities: for policy change, stronger stakeholder cooperation, and innovation of tools to better address forest‑related challenges.

✅ The message for FoRISK is clear: Prevention and preparedness are essential, ensuring the connection of policy and action through stakeholders' involvement and cross-border collaboration to enhance forest adaptation

Special thanks to FOREST EUROPE for inviting us to moderate this session on forest damage.

14/04/2026

📢 A key milestone for FoRISK’s long‑term sustainability

🌲 After its first year of establishment, FoRISK has taken an important step forward: the Steering Committee has formally endorsed the rules governing its Multi‑Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) and FoRISK structure. This decision lays the foundation for how FoRISK will be financed, governed, and steered in the upcoming years. It marks a turning point in strengthening transboundary cooperation on forest risk management in pan-Europe.

🤔 What does this mean in practice for signatory countries, experts, and observers? How will priorities be set, contributions managed, and accountability ensured across FoRISK’s focal areas? Our latest blog post explores why this agreement matters and what it signals for the future of FoRISK.

👉 Read the full story here: https://forisk.org/forisk-and-its-multi-donor-trust-fund-rules-endorsed-by-the-steering-committee/

European Forest Institute (EFI)
FOREST EUROPE

26/03/2026

Glad to see that FoRISK was highlighted in 🇨🇭Switzerland’s new "Integrated Forest and Wood Strategy 2050" (Integrale Wald- und Holzstrategie 2050).

📄 Within the Additional Measures section, the plan emphasizes Switzerland’s commitment to engaging in international and wood processes that deliver direct national benefits. This context aligns strongly with FoRISK's work: supporting knowledge exchange, strengthening cross‑border cooperation, and improving preparedness for forest disturbances across .

🌲 This mention reflects the growing importance of coordinated science‑based actions in managing forest risks such as 🔥wildfires, 💨storms, and 🪲biotic threats; a central focus of FoRISK.

🇨🇭 Document by BAFU.OFEV.UFAM: Massnahmenplan 2025–2032 IWHS 2050.

Die Integrale Wald- und Holzstrategie 2050 (IWHS 2050) verfolgt das Ziel, den Wald langfristig vielfältig, gesund und naturnah zu erhalten und ihn nachhaltig zu bewirtschaften, um seine Funktionen und vielfältigen Leistungen, wie die effiziente Nutzung der einheimischen Ressource Holz, sicherzuste...

21/03/2026

International Day of Forests 2026🌲

This year’s theme reminds us that forests, through sustainable management, are essential to supporting livelihoods, creating jobs, and safeguarding the ecosystem services that keep our societies and economies running.

At FoRISK, we work every day to strengthen Europe’s resilience to the forest disturbances that threaten forest ecosystem services and biodiversity. By connecting experts across countries, sharing knowledge on 🔥wildfires, 💨windstorms, and 🪲biotic risks, and supporting preparedness and prevention, FoRISK helps ensure that forests continue to flourish, providing economic and social benefits on which millions depend.

As we celebrate , we highlight the importance of risk prevention and healthy forests. Resilient forests mean strong economies 💪🏽.

👉 Join the conversation and help us put forest resilience at the heart of Europe’s sustainable future.

Forests are vital to our economies and to millions of livelihoods around the world. They create jobs, generate income and support communities – from local pr...

23/12/2025

FoRISK 2025 Year in Review: Building Resilience Through Action 🌲🔥⛈️🪲

"As we close the chapter on FoRISK’s first year, we take a moment to celebrate what we’ve achieved together. This year has been about building trust, strengthening FoRISK’s mission, and laying a solid foundation for resilience across pan-Europe." These are the words from the FoRISK Coordinator, Silvia Abruscato, for our first Newsletter issue.

Check here what marked our path during the first year of work towards more resilient forests in Europe 👉🏻 https://mailchi.mp/08132cf7c6de/forisk-newsletter-issue-1