The Białowieża Forest as an example of the resilience of long-term studies in a changing world

Long-term studies (LTS) in the Białowieża Forest, Poland, demonstrate remarkable resilience against sociopolitical and geopolitical changes while providing critical insights into ecosystem dynamics. This research highlights how collaborative teams and dispersed leadership across institutions have sustained LTS continuity for up to nine decades, despite disruptions such as financial, political, and security vulnerabilities. The study reveals the forest's role as a benchmark for ecological restoration and evolutionary processes, offering lessons for global conservation strategies. However, challenges persist in centralizing data archiving and ensuring accessibility. The Białowieża experience underscores the importance of adaptability in LTS to exploit opportunities amid change, serving as a model for similar studies worldwide.

Broughton, R. K., Cholewa, M., Czeszczewik, D., Fuller, R. J., Jaroszewicz, B., Kuijper, D. P. J., Maziarz, M., Mikusiński, G., & Neubauer, G. (2025). The Białowieża Forest as an example of the resilience of long-term studies in a changing world. Biological Conservation, 304, 111045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2025.111045