Abstract
Forest social ecological systems play a determinant role in adaptation to global change and mitigation processes. However, managers and decision-makers are faced with many uncertainties due to the major threats to the maintenance of the ecological and social functions of these systems. In this context, FORESTT proposes an ambitious research program addressing the scientific barriers to the multiscale functioning of temperate and tropical forest social ecological systems and the services they provide, the assessment and management of risks relating to global change, and the often-conflicting interdependences between different uses and management strategies in the short and long term. FORESTT aims to build, structure and lead an interdisciplinary, participatory and transformative forest science oriented towards action and the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions, promoting the sustainability of forest social ecological systems. FORESTT will achieve these goals with support from a national scientific community of recognized excellence, international networks, and the various stakeholders involved in the forest-based sector and training in the field of forest sciences. FORESTT is structured around four scientific challenges dedicated to increasing knowledge and addressing (1) the societal challenges of the social ecological transition of forests, (2) the development of a circular and agile wood-based bioeconomy, (3) the adaptation and resilience of forest ecosystems for mitigating the negative effects of global climate change, and (4) the use of smart monitoring systems to foster scientific discoveries, and to guide forest management and political decisions. Both the already identified focal projects (five in total), structuring and strengthening the national scientific community and focusing efforts on priorities in line with the general objectives of the PEPR, and one open call for collaborative research projects will enable us to address the research objectives defined in these four scientific challenges. FORESTT will promote interdisciplinarity, linking social and economic sciences, environmental sciences, plant and animal sciences, and materials sciences. The program will also establish structures facilitating open and co constructed innovations concerning societal issues relating to forest management and planning. FORESTT will, thus, contribute to the objectives of the national low-carbon and biodiversity strategies, and the “forest” roadmap for the national ecological planning, and will support the implementation of the new European forestry strategy and the national anti-imported deforestation strategy in a context of diversified forest social ecological systems. FORESTT also aims to provide operational tools for negotiation, consultation and decision support for the preservation of biodiversity and maintenance of the correct functioning of forest ecosystems, and support for the development of a bioeconomy of high social, economic, and environmental value. FORESTT will capitalize on the vibrant and diverse French scientific community, with its international insertion and research facilities in France (both mainland France and overseas territories) and in the tropics. FORESTT aims to raise France's scientific leadership to the highest international level for this strategic theme and to provide expertise and support for national, European, and international public policies, by actively seeking contributions from stakeholders and through knowledge transfer.