Diversidad de interacciones bióticas y su papel en el funcionamiento ecosistémico de las restauraciones forestales

Ecological restoration is a key tool for mitigating the adverse effects of global change, ensuring food security, water availability, and halting biodiversity loss. It also generates socioeconomic benefits and promotes the sustainable use of ecosystems. Reforestation has historically been a priority in Spain, yet its success has rarely been assessed from the perspective of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functioning, with evaluations often limited to technical and economic criteria. This project proposes a large-scale assessment of the success of reforestation efforts carried out over the past 70 years in the southern Iberian System (Castilla-La Mancha), comparing them with mature reference forests. We will analyze the diversity of biological interactions (vascular plants, fungi, lichens, bryophytes, butterflies, birds, and soil microbiomes) and specific relationships (e.g., plant–pollinator, lichen–arthropod, and epiphytic communities), as well as ecosystem multifunctionality, including soil functionality and resilience to disturbances. These assessments will allow us to estimate reforestation success based on time since intervention, planted species, and post-planting management. The InterRest project will develop success indices based on interaction diversity and multifunctionality and produce technical recommendations to guide forest restoration and maximize ecosystem service provision in the face of global change.