Dear Colleagues,

Forests are essential for maintaining biodiversity and provide critical ecosystem services that support life on our planet. Forests contribute to carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change, and regulating water cycles, ensuring a sustainable clean water supply.

The changes in the hydrological cycle by human development and the gradual increase in freshwater uses in the last century are key to understanding the gradual increment of temperature and their gradients in some regions. These variations pose significant threats to forest ecosystems and the delicate balance of biodiversity they harbour. Changes in temperatures and precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events are all impacting forests worldwide. Episodes of strong winds or fires can transform a forest in a little time space and have a profound impact over time. These changes can lead to shifts in forest structure and composition, disrupting the habitats of numerous plant and animal species and favouring the development of pests. As a result, many species face the risk of habitat loss, reduced population sizes, and even extinction.

In this special issue, we bring together cutting-edge research that sheds light on the complex interplay between global climate change and forest biodiversity. We delve into the various ways climate change affects forest ecosystems, including changes in species distribution, altered phenology, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.

To address these challenges and protect forest biodiversity, proactive measures are urgently needed. Effective conservation strategies must encompass both the preservation of existing forest areas and the restoration of degraded ones. It is crucial to establish protected areas and wildlife corridors to safeguard critical habitats and allow for the movement of species in response to changing conditions.

In conclusion, this special issue underscores the pressing need for increased research, concerted efforts, and decisive action to protect forest biodiversity in the face of global climate change. By prioritizing biodiversity conservation, we can preserve the invaluable benefits that forests provide to both ecosystems and human societies for generations to come. For this reason, I encourage you to participate in this important challenge, to safeguard the protection of forests.

Dr. Pedro Antonio Arnau

Guest Editor