Volkmar Timmermann
Research Scientist
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Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health
(+47) 971 59 901 volkmar.timmermann@nibio.no Office Location: Ås H8
Climate change, the expected increase in climate-related forest damage, the expansion of international trade and imports plus new invasive insects and fungi present major challenges when it comes to managing future forest resources. In recent years, greater emphasis has therefore been placed on monitoring insects and fungi that cause the most damage to forests, and invasive (foreign) species that have already come to or may come to Norway as a result of climate change and/or increased trade and import.
Long-term forest monitoring is important for detecting changes to the forest ecosystem over time, and cross-border cooperation is essential for overcoming global environmental challenges such as climate change, long-range pollution and the spread of insects and fungi.
Good forest health can help to increase carbon binding and is essential for safeguarding the role of the forest as a provider of ecosystem services. Forest monitoring has been carried out in Norway for more than 30 years and is crucial for detecting changes in forest health and for preventing new pests from becoming established.
Forest damage is monitored by an interdisciplinary team of over 25 employees across 9 departments in 4 divisions at NIBIO. The Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU) also participates. The results of this work are used on an international scale via the ICP Forests program.
A report on forest health is published in Norwegian each year.