In Genappe, south of Brussels, Belgian forestry workers are undertaking an innovative effort to bolster the country’s woodlands against the effects of climate change by collecting pine cones high in the forest canopy. This year’s initiative took on added urgency following Belgium’s largest wildfire in a century, highlighting the increasing risks posed by prolonged dry spells and rising temperatures.

On a September morning in the Bois D'Hez woodland, a team of four climbers, including 25-year-old pruner Luca Bruscia, scaled larch trees reaching approximately 40 meters tall to harvest pine cones before they released their seeds naturally. Using specialized equipment to secure throw-lines on sturdy branches, the workers spent several hours gathering kilograms of cones into canvas bags. The cone harvest occurs annually from mid-August to mid-September, ensuring the seeds remain viable for collection.

Once brought to the forestry office in Marche-en-Famenne, about 80 kilometers southeast of Genappe, the cones undergo drying and seed extraction processes using a mechanical spinner. After sorting and quality control, the seeds enter cold storage which can extend for several years before being sold for reforestation projects across both public and private lands in Belgium. Approximately 35,000 seeds per kilogram are available at a price of €3,400, with germination rates reaching up to 50%.

Forestry officials emphasize that the effort reflects a strategic shift toward increasing tree species diversity to make Belgian forests more resilient. Historically dominated by spruce trees, local forests have faced challenges such as soil acidification, pest infestations, and vulnerability to diseases, all exacerbated by climatic shifts. With global warming driving more frequent and severe weather events, the Department of Nature and Forestry advocates for mixed-species plantings. This includes varieties like sycamores and maples, which were once more common in southern Europe but are now being introduced to adapt to changing conditions.

“The forest of the future will be highly diverse,” said Eleonore Scholzen, head of the Marche-en-Famenne forestry office. She stressed the importance of adopting “a very long-term view” that spans the next two centuries to ensure forests can withstand ongoing climate challenges. “Trees migrate naturally, but this migration is not fast enough to keep pace with climate change,” Scholzen added, underscoring the need for proactive human intervention.

This approach represents Belgium’s response to a growing global trend of adapting forest management practices to sustain ecosystems and preserve biodiversity amid a rapidly warming climate.