Forests are diverse and complex, just like the relationships humans have with them. Numerous studies show that today’s forests are the result of intertwined ecological and social processes that have unfolded over several millennia. Their diversity reflects, among other things, a long-standing co-evolution with human societies, whether in tropical, temperate, or boreal environments. Today, in the face of unprecedented changes on the horizon, it is crucial to understand the multiple and interwoven interdependencies between these environments, their functioning, and current socio-environmental crises. Indeed, climate change and biodiversity loss have each been both causes and consequences of these crises, which must be critically analyzed.

Although interactions between forests and their inhabitants are studied by various disciplines using multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, or even transdisciplinary approaches—and although forests are used and managed by a range of actors—knowledge remains too fragmented. We believe it is essential to promote the most holistic approach possible, supported by broad interdisciplinarity, aimed at bringing together disciplines, stakeholders, and knowledge around common themes to foster better co-production of knowledge.

This symposium aims to bring together researchers, managers, and civil society members who are interested in and working toward understanding forests, by considering their structural and functional complexity, their interactions with human activities, and the weight of past socio-environmental legacies. It specifically aims to question the concepts in use and to highlight interdisciplinary approaches. It is open to all disciplines in the social and natural sciences and encourages reflections across temporalities on concepts, approaches, and methods. The goal is to further forest research to better illuminate future challenges.

The symposium will take place at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris, in the auditorium of the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution. It will be divided into three half-day sessions, each dedicated to one of the following main themes (which may be adjusted depending on the communications submitted):

Concepts and definitions. What is meant by a forest socio-ecosystem? What concepts are used to analyze human-forest interactions? What are the strengths and limitations of these concepts? How do forest definitions vary depending on the stakeholders?

Forests of the past and present. Presentations of collaborative and comprehensive approaches to better understand the socio-ecological trajectories and dynamics of forested areas in light of societal challenges. What are the contributions and difficulties, the levers and barriers of interdisciplinary approaches?

Dialogues between research and management. What are the connections between forests, research, and societal challenges (ecological, economic, legal, ethical, governance-related)? How do knowledge and information circulate between different actors? Presentations of experiences and projects at the interface between research, management, and society.

Each session will be followed by a dedicated discussion period, designed to foster cross-cutting dialogue and more dynamic sharing of experience. While not exclusive, submissions based on collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches will be especially welcomed. Presentations will be in French and in person, though English-language contributions from international colleagues are also welcome. Presentations will last 15 minutes, followed by 10 minutes for questions, with six presentations per session.

Deadline for abstract submissions (max. 300 words): June 30, 2025
Registration is free but mandatory, limited to 120 participants.

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Organizing and Scientific Committee

• Carrière Stéphanie (SENS/IRD)
• Césard Nicolas (EA/MNHN)
• Dufraisse Alexa (BioArch/MNHN)
• Guilbert Eric (MECADEV/MNHN)
• Narat Victor x(EA/MNHN)
• Pares Nelly (CESCO/MNHN)
• Sigaud Marie (CESCO/MNHN)