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Deadline for the submission of abstracts was on 31 January 2013.

Conference topics

1. Primeval beech forests: Biodiversity sanctuaries or refuges

Biodiversity has a patchy distribution in primeval beech forest landscapes. Young and dense forest stands are often species poor whereas stands may reach high species richness and conservation values during later developmental stages. This session will highlight distribution patterns and dynamics of species and communities in primeval beech forest landscapes. The session will also discuss possible strategies how biodiversity can be improved in managed forest landscapes, i.e. how the spread of old-growth forest species into multifunctional, managed forests can be promoted.

2. Structure, composition and dynamics of primeval forests

Primeval beech forests are characterised by a small-scale shifting mosaic of diverse forest development phases and structures, ensuring high continuity in ecosystem services on larger areas. The main focus of this session lies on the description and modelling of the structural features of primeval beech forests and their temporal dynamics on different spatial scales as well as on disturbance patterns and processes. The topics include comparisons with secondary old-growth and managed forests and lessons learned from primeval forests for forest management.

3. Sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation: Integrative and segregative approaches and restoration

In addition to production and protection, biodiversity conservation is one of the main functions of the forest ecosystem. An integrative approach aims to retain a high level of biodiversity under a multifunctional forest management regime, whereas a segregative approach concentrates conservation efforts in protected forest areas. Generally, these two approaches are complementary. Conservation and, for degraded forests, restoration are of greater significance for the long-term maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

4. The future of European beech forests

Global change and the increasing demand for renewable energy are likely to affect beech forest ecosystems in Europe and worldwide. Global change may entail the migration of species including pests and diseases, increased disturbance, and long-term shifts of the geographical distribution of beech forests. On the one hand, beech may be able to recolonise parts of its former range; on the other hand, a changing environment and increased resource demands put near-natural and old-growth beech forests at risk. This session presents studies addressing impacts, consequences for conservation and approaches to manage beech ecosystems sustainably in the framework of adaptive management.