SLU Forest Damage Centre

We prevent and monitor forest damage

We research, analyze and monitor forest damage in order to equip the Swedish forest against today's and tomorrow's risks of damage. We create and collect knowledge for forest health.

With a focus on responsible forestry, preservation of natural values, and biological diversity, we contribute to sustainable social development under changing climate conditions.

Forest damage related news from SLU

27 January 2025 SLU Skogsskadecentrum
From California to Sweden: A Tale of Wildfire Preparedness and Policy Gaps
The recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area have once again underscored the increasing frequency and severity of forest fires across the globe. To shed light on this critical issue, we spoke with Igor Drobyshev, a forest fire expert and senior lecturer at the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre. Igor’s research offers valuable perspectives on the prediction, prevention, and mitigation of wildfires, as well as the broader challenges and opportunities in managing fire-prone landscapes.
19 December 2024 SLU Skogsskadecentrum
New call from SLU Forest Damage Centre opened
The SLU Forest Damage Centre has opened a call focused on forest damage with the explicit purpose of strengthening collaboration with other authorities or institutions, such as the Swedish Forest Agency, the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, the Forestry Research Institute or the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, projects including a social science perspective are especially encouraged.
11 December 2024 SLU Skogsskadecentrum
SLU Forest Damage Centre expands with new analyst
Teresa López-Andújar Fustel is SLU Forest Damage Centre's newest addition - she takes on the role of analyst in the field of wind and snow. With this addition, the centre expands its analysis function, which now covers the areas of damage - fire and drought, insects, fungi, viruses and bacteria, wildlife, wind and snow, as well as the socio-economic consequences of damage and risk and impact assessments with Heureka.
09 December 2024
RNAi: A new way to fight forest diseases
Fungal diseases can harm trees, reduce forest productivity, and threaten biodiversity. Traditional solutions like fungicides often have downsides, such as harming the environment. In a new review, researchers from SLU and the Czech Republic explore RNA interference (RNAi) as an option.
19 November 2024
Pests and pathogens cause devastation in nature reserves
It may be tempting to perceive damaged forests as primarily a problem for the forest owner or the industry. A factor affecting price on wood, but of limited importance to society. Pests and pathogens can however cause great devastation to treasured nature reserves, and diminish their ecological, cultural, social or aesthetic values. Relatively speaking, the effects can be greater than in productive forests, since the reserves’ management guidelines can make it difficult to protect them.