Study in Sweden (Larson et all 2009) shows remarkable potential to increase the growth of forests with relatively tested methods. However, the environmental impacts would also be considerable. To assess in which extent a more growth oriented forestry could be applied within the EFINORD region, a study on the preconditions in respective countries is needed.
The project plan was to compile facts concerning forestry and forests in EFINORD countries. The compilation includes detailed facts on forest resources (areas, growing stock, increment, age class distribution etc.), forest ownership, policy and governance, set-aside for other forms of landuse and the present sustainable removals.
The aim of the study was to describe prerequisites for forestry and to discuss possibilities for intensive forest management and increased increment of forests in EFINORD countries in short and long term.
The background:
• An elevated demand for woody-biomass is foreseen within the EU (see, e.g., EUwood and EFSOS II), indicating a considerable wood “shortage” if targets for renewable energy are to be met.
• Countries within the EFINORD region* are seen as major suppliers of woody biomass. In the future hence, according to EFSOS II, the Nordic and Baltic countries as a group is expected to see the largest increase in wood supply: 115 million cubic metres, by 2030.
(*Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Northwest Russia, Sweden and the United Kingdom)
Some findings from the study:
• There seems to be a substantial unused woody biomass potential and a striking variation in the intensity of utilization within the forests of the EFINORD region
• Even-aged forestry dominates in the region. There is however an increased interest in uneven-aged forestry management
• Planting dominates as regeneration method. Natural regeneration is most common in Germany (80% of the area yearly regenerated), Latvia (60%) and Norway (50%)
• Forest fertilization is rarely used (really only in Finland and Sweden)
• Short rotation forestry very limited
EFINORD was the coordinator together with SLU.
Partners:
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences - SLU, Country contact points in EFINORD countries
Read the final report here: http://www.metla.fi/julkaisut/workingpapers/2013/mwp271.htm(last visited 15.5.2018)