30 years of Long-Term Forest Ecosystem Research: synthesis and outlook

Forests are of vital importance for biodiversity, climate regulation and other ecosystem services. The Long-Term Forest Ecosystem Research (LWF) conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) over the past three decades has provided valuable insights into the complex interactions between biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors. Air pollution and climate change are a significant burden on forests, leading to soil acidification, nutrient imbalances and increased tree mortality. Technological innovations such as remote sensing, real-time monitoring and machine learning allow for detailed analyses that provide an improved understanding of forest ecosystem processes under different climate scenarios. The results from three decades of LWF research provided valuable guidelines for decision-makers and forest owners. In the face of increasing environmental pressures, maintaining resilient forests is crucial to ensure their protective and regulatory functions in the long term.