Journal Plant and Soil (https://link.springer.com/journal/11104)

What are the biggest challenges for tomorrow's forests and/or ecosystems found within forested landscapes?

Hans : The global population is growing unsustainably, and this put increasing pressures on our natural environments, including forests. Many nations have committed to setting aside increasing areas to support biodiversity, but these targets are unachievable if more land is needed to produce food. E must curtail unbridled population growth to ensure the viability of our forests and other natural ecosystems.

In which area(s) should research focus for improving the resilience of tomorrow's forest landscapes?

Hans : Since unbridled population growth is the greatest threat for our forests and other natural landscapes, research to make sure we never get to 8 billion people on our planet is vital.

How can local communities best contribute to protecting vulnerable ecosystems?

Hans : Our forests and other natural areas need custodians to manage them in the best possible way. Friends Groups can help there, for example with weed control. My wife and I have recently bought a property that includes 400 ha of pristine bushland with well over 400 native plant species, including many rare and threatened ones. Here we launched our own reserve earlier this year with the aim to conserve it. The rest of the property we aim to restore to its former glory.