Alexis Achim Presents Silva21, a Key Project for Forest Resilience in the Face of Climate Change!
Canadian forestry is facing a historic turning point. With the sharp increase in natural disturbances—wildfires, droughts, insect outbreaks, and tree mortality—traditional management practices are no longer sufficient to ensure forest health and productivity. It is in this context that the Silva21 assisted migration project was launched. Led by a large consortium of researchers from five Canadian universities and scientifically coordinated by Professor Alexis Achim of Université Laval, this ambitious project aims to develop tools and strategies to observe, anticipate, and adapt silviculture to future climatic realities.
The Montmorency Forest, covering an impressive area of more than 400 km², is one of the 12 experimental sites selected for Silva21 across Canada. Thanks to its location and conditions representative of North American temperate forests, this unique research territory makes it possible to examine how trees respond to plausible future climates generated by climate models integrated into the program.
Watch the video below in which Professor Alexis Achim, Scientific Director of the Montmorency Forest, presents the objectives, challenges, and innovative approaches of the Silva21 project:
In this video, produced by the Faculty of Forestry, Geography, and Geomatics, Professor Achim explains that Silva21 goes beyond simply observing forests. The project also seeks to understand how to anticipate future changes in order to better guide silvicultural decision-making:
Observe: by using cutting-edge technologies such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, and so-called “living” forest inventories, the team continuously collects data to monitor the condition of forest stands in a changing climate context.
Predict: researchers integrate climate projections with tree growth models to anticipate how species and forests will respond to different climate trajectories over the coming decades.
Adapt: experiments such as TRANS X make it possible to test assisted migration—that is, planting tree species outside their natural range to assess their ability to adapt to new conditions—and to evaluate innovative silvicultural strategies aimed at strengthening forest resilience.
About Silva21
Silva21 is funded through an Alliance grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The project is built on a broad collaboration bringing together universities, government agencies, and industry partners, with the goal of developing knowledge, tools, and practical strategies for the silviculture of tomorrow.
Its integrated approach mobilizes research teams across the country as well as a dynamic next generation of scientists. More than 40 students and postdoctoral fellows are actively involved in the program, contributing to innovation while receiving training on climate-related forest issues.
By combining expertise, applied research, and training, Silva21 provides forest managers with tailored solutions to strengthen the resilience of Canadian forests in the face of growing climate challenges.
For more information about the project or to access additional resources, visit the official Silva21 program website.
Par: Besma Bouslimi