Organized by the Hungarian Private Forest Owners and Managers Association (MEGOSZ), a conference and field demonstration was held on 6 August 2025 in Jakabszállás to address the impact of climate change on forests in one of Hungary’s driest regions.
The event brought together government officials, forestry experts, researchers, and both private and public forest managers.
In the first part of the event key points discussed included:
- Severe forest dieback due to falling groundwater levels and increasing drought, worsened by the 2022 drought.
- The need for urgent action, including water retention measures, ecological water supplementation, and updated forest planning.
- Importance of careful tree species selection and adaptive forest management based on local conditions.
- Introduction of non-native, drought-tolerant species cautiously, based on domestic and international research.
The Forestry Climate Adaptation Forum was introduced, aiming to develop a Climate Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan for the region.
The second part of the event was a field visit in three forests in the vicinity of the conference. Participants were introduced here different challenges typical in this area and adaptation techniques tested by local foresters:
- Failed forest regeneration and invasive species spread.
- The challenges of abandoned or unmanaged forest areas, which pose environmental and fire hazards.
- Adaptive practices by state forest company KEFAG Zrt., including use of drought-resistant species and innovative planting techniques.
Expert presentations focused on:
- New tree species suitable for arid conditions.
- The hydrological challenges and plans for water replenishment in the region.
- Biodiversity loss and advancing desertification in the Homokhátság.
- The need to reconsider forest definitions and include shrublands and agroforestry systems as adaptive solutions.
In the concluding forum, participants emphasized:
- The urgent need for legal reforms, financial support, and flexible regulations.
- Stronger cooperation between private and state forest managers.
- Support for research and seed material based on surviving trees.
The event was part of the CLIMAFORCEELIFE project, co-financed by the EU LIFE Climate Policy Programme and Hungary’s Ministry of Agriculture.