In 2007, Bavaria launched the “Climatic Program Bavaria 2020” which includes different measures for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to climate change and the intensification of research and development. A special set of measures known as the “Mountain Forest Initiative” (Bergwaldoffensive, BWO), focuses on the adaptation of the alpine forests in Bavaria to climate change.

The central aim of the BWO is to stabilise and sustainably adapt the alpine mountain forests to climate change. For this purpose, 30 projects were identified in areas with special climatic risks. Integrated master plans were developed for these pro-jects, which include different silvicultural measures like thinning, planting and natural regeneration, the construction of forest roads, and hunting and pasture management for the reduction of browsing dam-age. A large number of owners are usually affected by the projects.Thus, the pilot measures are planned and initiated in agreement with the land owners and local stakeholders. This strong focus on participa-tion renders the process transparent – a crucial factor for the success of the projects. Other important elements of the BWO include improv-ing the supply of suitable tree seeds for the alpine region in Bavaria, strengthening applied research and generating new basic information for the management of alpine forests. For example, a digital map of forest soils in the northern Alps was generated as basis for restoration and forecasts by the WINALP project (Waldinformationssystem Nord-alpen) in cooperation with partners from Austria (Tyrol, Salzburg).