Open Access

Kolja Glatzer, Engelbert Schramm

• Based on the scenario work of the project „Waldzukünfte“ (Futures of Forest) initiated by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research a forests conversion in regard to climate adaptation by means of Mediterranean oak tree varieties is examined. We are taking the ecosystem services of a forest marked by this particular tree variety to give an initial estimate of effects and consequences for an according forests conversion. The oak varieties in question have different potentials. In particular Quercus ilex, Q. robur and Q. frainetto can very well contribute to the supporting and regulating functions of the forest ecosystem. In the end strategic goals for silviculture will be decisive for establishing them as climatically adapted tree varieties in future forests. In this context the timber production is only one utility function (provisioning service). Also important are the landscape-building potential of an oak forest ecosystem (prevention of deforestation) as well as as the reproduction of a habitat for forest biodiversity. Apart from that, new economic branches might develop (e.g. truffle cultivation, acorn fattening of pigs). Needs for research are identified as well as new research topics within the centre.