The Slovenian Forestry Institute (SFI), a key partner in the RE-ENFORCE project, recently appeared in the nationally broadcast science programme Ugriznimo znanost. The episode focused on the ecological and genetic importance of “wild relatives” of fruit trees and—more broadly—the crucial role of minority and locally adapted tree species in forest restoration.
Because Ugriznimo znanost airs on Slovenia’s public national television, these messages reached viewers across the entire country, significantly enhancing public understanding of why species and genetic diversity are central to resilient forest landscapes.
👉 Watch the episode: https://365.rtvslo.si/arhiv/ugriznimo-znanost/175158496
👉 Related article: https://www.gozdis.si/novice/ugriznimo-znanost-divje-sorodnice-sadnih-dreves/
Why this matters for RE-ENFORCE
The themes addressed in the programme align directly with the objectives of the RE-ENFORCE project, which focuses on climate-resilient forest regeneration across Europe. Key points highlighted include:
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The importance of minority and underrepresented tree species for post-disturbance recovery.
Diverse forests are more robust after large-scale disturbances such as storms, drought events, and bark beetle outbreaks. -
The value of genetic diversity.
Wild relatives of fruit trees carry adaptive traits that may become vital under future climate pressures, underscoring the need to conserve and integrate them into restoration practices. -
The role of public awareness.
National media outreach expands public understanding of the need to shift from simplified forest structures toward more diverse, resilient, and climate-adapted ecosystems.
By contributing expert knowledge to nationally visible platforms, SFI supports the broader mission of RE-ENFORCE: promoting evidence-based, diversity-oriented strategies to build forest resilience across Europe.