Demo areas
Vysočina and North Moravia, Czech Republic
Bordered by the historical regions of Bohemia and Moravia, the mountainous Vysočina Region in the Czech Republic is known for its rich culture and tradition. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other part of the country. Its scenic landscapes and forests, however, are under threat. Since 2018, massive bark beetle attacks caused widespread damage to the region’s Norway spruce forests, leading to heavily degraded areas and clearings. The infestations also had devastating social impacts as they negatively affected the forestry sector – the most important employer in the region – and deprived local communities of important spaces for recreation.
About the demo
To support regeneration efforts in the area, SUPERB aims to establish new mixed forests with at least three species per stand. We will promote natural regeneration by planting pioneer species, and in some cases replacing spruce with other tree species, such as fir and broadleaved trees. Since bark beetle infestations are partly a consequence of droughts, which weaken trees’ natural defenses, the restoration process also aims to improve water retention.
We will consider different approaches for natural, military and private forests, tailored to public and private interests. As a result, we expect higher resilience to pest outbreaks and enhanced ecosystem services, such as wood production, carbon storage, biodiversity conservation, soil protection, recreation, water provision, and educational activities.
Restoration activities
Planting
Stakeholder engagement
Protecting regeneration
100
ha
Area size
and 4 water retention measures
Type of restoration:
We will establish new mixed-forest stands with an increased rate of natural regeneration by using pioneer species such as Betula, Populus, Alnus and Salix. Besides, in some stands, we will replace Norway spruce with other tree species (Fagus sylvatica, Abies spp., Quercus spp. and Acer spp.).
How the demo is now:
Large swathes of non-native spruce forests have been damaged by wind, bark beetle attacks and drought. Biodiversity is pressured by intensive management, large-scale monoculture, climate change, drought, disturbances and the lack of old forests.
Restoration vision:
Increased forest resilience and enhanced biodiversity will contribute to improving the quality of life of local communities and help generate green jobs related to restoration activities.
Restoration upscaling potential (within and beyond SUPERB):
200.000-300.000 ha
Partners
Supporting Partner
Resources
News
Reforestation in our demo area in Vysocina region
In the Vysocina region, mature Norway spruce stands were heavily infested by bark beetles. It resulted in massive salvage logging and an abrupt decrease of the area of older coniferous…
“Forest restoration needs to look ahead, not backwards, in face of climate change”: An interview with SUPERB coordinator Elisabeth Pötzelsberger on World Habitat Day
This 3rd of October is World Habitat Day! To celebrate the occasion, SUPERB coordinator Elisabeth Pötzelsberger, Head of Resilience Programme at the European Forest Institute (EFI), explained the importance of…