The Living Lab Approach to Designing Forest Renewal Itineraries: Implementation of the Exploration Phase

In response to the escalating impact of climate change on spruce forest stands, aggravated by bark beetle infestations, forest owners confront the distressing reality of disappearing woodlands. Proactively addressing this challenge, AXA, in collaboration with forestry institutions, launched a project to formulate resilient silvicultural itineraries for beetle-damaged forests. Employing a Living Lab approach, the project involves a diverse group of stakeholders to co-design innovative solutions aligned with the multifaceted needs of affected French territories. This paper provides a detailed exploration of the methodological framework proposed by [1], making the transition from the planning phase to the application of a first collective work. By grounding the endeavour within the complexities of practical application, the exploration phase seeks to illuminate underlying challenges. Through this exploration, the project gains nuanced insights into its context, fostering a holistic understanding that guides strategic decision-making and the development of interventions for sustainable forest management. The outcomes of the exploration phase establish the cornerstone for the Living Lab project's trajectory, providing a comprehensive understanding of the context, challenges, and potential pathways for forest renewal. As the Living Lab unfolds, these initial findings steer the project towards innovative and sustainable solutions, fostering engagement and collaboration among diverse stakeholders involved in forest renewal.