NFP 82_ Biodiversity conservation in protection forests

Protection forests cover 49% of Swiss forests, exceeding 80% in mountainous areas, and are managed under NaiS guidelines to ensure their role in mitigating natural hazards. However, current management often conflicts with biodiversity conservation by limiting early and late forest development stages, which are key biodiversity hotspots in temperate forests. This project explores integrating "old-growth" structures, such as deadwood and habitat trees, without compromising protective functions. We will assess trade-offs and synergies between protection, biodiversity, and forest structures across various successional stages under different management regimes. Results aim to update NaiS guidelines and improve biodiversity conservation in protection forests, with practical applications by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and other stakeholders. Collaboration with FOEN, cantonal partners, and the Swiss mountain forest management group ensures broad support and implementation potential.