Tree species, seeds and resilient use in a changing Nordic climate in focus during conference in Norway
The use of non-native tree species to help Nordic forests adapt to climate change was one of the main topics discussed recently at NordGen's annual forest conference. In addition to many interesting presentations, the program included visits to several nearby experimental plots and a workshop on the supply situation for forest seeds and seedlings in a changing Nordic climate.
Recently, NordGen and partners organized the NordGen Forest Conference 2026 – Tree species – Seeds – Resilient use. About 50 researchers, breeders, managers and others who work within the forest sector attended the conference that took place during two days in Bergen, Norway, and the surrounding region. Torleiv Skage, Senior Adviser at the County Governor of Vestland welcomed the conference participants followed by NordGen’s Executive Director, Lene Krøl Andersen.
"In the Nordic region, we have different landscapes, climates and forest traditions. But we share the challenges ahead, and we can't solve them alone. That is why I believe that this conference is very important and that Nordic cooperation has something special to offer. Thank you for being here," said Krøl Andersen during her opening speech.
Resilient forest seeds and seedlings
The conference's first speaker was Erik Dahl Kjær, professor at the University of Copenhagen. His presentation revolved around "Seeds and seedlings for Nordic forests that can take the strain of climate change." Kjær’s main point is that diversity should be a priority to support future reliance of the Nordic forests. Various options for increasing genetic diversity beyond the present level were discussed.
The point of departure for Erik Kjær is use of additional species based on seed sources with high levels of genetic diversity. His suggestion for a ‘Plan A’ is use of a wider array of the broadleaved tree species that currently have their northern distribution limits in the Nordic region. Still, the expected magnitude and speed of climate change challenges the ability of the current forests to adapt fast enough. Kjær therefore suggested to supplement ‘Plan A’ with a ‘Plan B’, where ‘pre-adapted’ seeds are introduced from areas, where present climate is similar to the climate we expect in the future. An additional ‘Plan C’ might become necessary if global warming continues at high speed. ‘Plan C is a wider use of species that presently are not native to the Nordic region, but may fit a future warmer climate better than the currently used.
He gave several examples from a Danish perspective of species that could play a larger role in future forestry. The wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis) is an example of a (presently) very ‘minor species’ that can become important in future. Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is another example that is already recognized as an important species in Danish afforestation.
"Diversity of species and seed sources will increase both the resistance and resilience of our forests. It is difficult to rule out any of the strategies mentioned, and a combination of approaches may be needed to succeed," said Professor Kjær.
“At the same time, we need to be careful when introducing new species to avoid problems related to use of the wrong provenances, new diseases, or species becoming invasive. A step-by-step approach is recommended, but it important take the first steps as soon as possible”
Future tree species in Norway
Gro Hylen, Senior Adviser at the Norwegian Agriculture Agency, was another speaker at the conference who talked about new tree species. She shared information about two reports conducted by the Norwegian Agriculture Agency, the Norwegian Forest Seed Centre, and NIBIO. These publications are centred on which tree species that can contribute to maintaining future forest production and timber supply in Norway. In her presentation, she showed a climate model based on the SSP2-4.5, ”the middle of the road scenario”, which predicts that the natural habitats of Norway spruce will decline in Norway, and especially in Sweden and Finland.
But at the same time, Norway has one of the strictest regulatory frameworks in Europe when it comes to introducing new tree species for forestry purposes. In her presentation, Hylen highlighted some key conlusions.
”Climate change may increase the need for additional commercial tree species in Norway and we already have valuable breeding populations and historical field material. But the real bottleneck will be seed supply. The future deployment will depend on balancing climate adaptation, production goals and environmental regulations.”
Important challenges and prioritised areas
The program also included presentations on new technologies, EU legislation, and the connection between forest seeds and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. During the second part of day one, a workshop was organised as part of a project initiated by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The project aims to map the supply situation for forest seeds and seedlings in a changing Nordic climate. In the workshop, organized by Nordic Forest Research (SNS) and facilitated by Malin von Essen, the conference participants contributed to the project by identifying some of the most important challenges and prioritised areas for further investigation.
The second day was devoted to forest excursions in the region. The group visited several local experimental plots and even a boat-building workshop called Stiftinga Oselvarverkstaden, where traditional Norwegian wooden boats are produced using hand-picked, mature oak and pine trees. At a test site in Bjørnafjorden Municipality on a ditched mire, the independent researcher Bernt Håvard Øyen guided the group, pointing out several more or less successful plantings of different species of spruce that were established during 1965-67.
“We have many similar places in Norway that could be used when choosing new species. For example, Serbian spruce (Picea omorika) has done well at this site, and it might be a sound choice in the future, also in an economic sense,” Øyen said.
FACTS: NordGen's forest conferences
- The forest conference is organized annually by NordGen in close cooperation with the national representatives in NordGen's Forest Regeneration Council
- The Nordic countriestake turns hosting the conference, next year it will be held in Sweden.