Establishing marteloscopes for capacity building of forest professionals and civil society
Marteloscopes - developed in 2014 at Bern University of Applied Sciences, Department of Agricultural, Forestry, and Food Sciences (BFH-HAFL) - are digital silvicultural training tools designed to enhance Close-to-Nature Forestry (CTNF) practices.
By integrating digital technology, marteloscopes enable practitioners to simulate and evaluate forestry interventions, enhancing knowledge and practical skills. The martelage.sylvotheque.ch (MSC) internet platform and the MSC Mobile app facilitate data analysis, virtual tree selection exercises, and real-time comparisons, making forestry training more accessible and interactive. These tools contribute to adaptive forestry strategies by monitoring forest changes and developing sustainable management solutions.
Objective: The marteloscope concept promotes Close-to-Nature Forestry (CTNF) by serving as an educational and training tool for forest professionals, students, and the public. It addresses key challenges, including: Enhancing practical learning in silviculture; Raising awareness of climate change impacts on forests; Providing a structured approach to tree selection and management through real-world simulations; Encouraging knowledge-sharing and community engagement in sustainable forestry.
Result: Marteloscopes enhance forestry skills, integrating virtual training and real-time data for interactive learning. They support adaptive management by simulating interventions for climate resilience and foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and communities.
Now present in over 200 locations across Switzerland, France, Germany, and Ukraine, marteloscopes have become a key learning and awareness-raising tool.
Practical Implications/Recommendations: Marteloscopes provide a cost-effective, scalable solution for improving forestry education and management. They enable practitioners to evaluate silvicultural interventions, refine management techniques, and visualize the long-term impacts of forestry actions.
Additional information
While initial setup requires investment in infrastructure and training, the long-term benefits—such as improved forest management, increased productivity, and enhanced environmental awareness—outweigh the costs. Expanding the network of marteloscopes can bridge gaps in forestry education, ensuring wider accessibility and impact.
Empowering rural communities to act for change
Ongoing | 2023-2027
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Italy, Spain, Germany, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Greece, Croatia, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Cyprus, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine