At the international conference on long-term monitoring and research in terrestrial ecosystems in Zurich, researches could exchange experiences with peers about the following issues related to long-term ecosystem research:

• Conducting long-term monitoring or research in terrestrial ecosystems and caring about quality assurance or statistical analysis
  
  
• Using long-term monitoring data and being concerned with international harmonization of results or multidisciplinary approaches of ecosystem health
  
  
• Address impacts of global change and societal needs

Since 1994, the Swiss long-term forest ecosystem research project has been addressing global change as a driving force on forest biota and ecological processes. On this landmark date people were invited to reflect on the current state of long-term (forest) ecosystem research and its scientific value.