Forests are vitally important to our planet; they provide clean air, a home for wild animals and plants, and also the resources we depend on — and that is not all. For researchers and policymakers from all over the world meeting in Stockholm to discuss the future of forests, one thing is clear: managing forests successfully and sustainably by 2050 will require effective cooperation both across sectors and across borders.
In the Nordic countries, forestry traditions are long-standing and sustainable, and the forestry sector employs more than 100 000 people. Sustainable forest management rests both on a solid scientific foundation provided by academic institutions and on democratic processes involving scientists, state and municipal authorities, NGOs, businesses and national governments, as well as small forest owners, indigenous peoples and youth organisations.
“The Nordic and Baltic countries already cooperate extensively on forest health, including protection against pests and diseases, adaptation to climate change and the wider use of new biomaterials. Developing joint strategies to adapt forestry to climate change allows forest ecosystems to be viewed in a balanced and holistic way.” (Karen Ellemann)
The IUFRO (International Union of Forest Research Organizations) congress brought together 4271 participants from 102 countries, offering a genuine opportunity for representatives of the scientific community to meet decision-makers and jointly develop a shared vision.
One of the outcomes of the 26th IUFRO Congress is the Stockholm Declaration: Forests and Society Towards 2050. It is a call for purposeful and impartial action, and for far-sighted decisions. It provides the basis for securing the survival of forest ecosystems and human well-being, and a shared vision. (Stockholm Declaration)
“The IUFRO congress highlighted the global and international importance of forests, wood and forest-related products and services in driving the transition to a sustainable and positive future, while also noting that they are not a panacea and that their own future is at risk unless concrete action is taken worldwide in other sectors and areas of human activity.”
An extract from the Stockholm Declaration:
Forest sector representatives from the Nordic and Baltic countries made a significant contribution to preparing the Stockholm Declaration, drawing on sustainability, knowledge and cooperation, stressing the decisive role of forests in sustaining life on Earth and fostering economic growth, while also underlining how important it is for the economy to be independent of fossil resources — and to become more so.
The Nordic forest sector representatives’ five key messages are addressed to researchers and policymakers:
1. A holistic view. Sensible, far-sighted decisions about the future are taken on the basis of a balanced, comprehensive view of forest systems.
2. Participation. Involve people by setting a level playing field (conditions, requirements and so on) through transparent, clear and democratic processes, in order to make better decisions in the forest sector.
3. Cooperation. Cooperation between researchers, public sector institutions, businesses, NGOs and governments is essential to advance policy measures.
4. Attracting talent. Build a dialogue with those with a stake in the future and development of the forest sector, in order to foster innovation and additional competencies among forest sector professionals.
5. Funding. Managing natural resources more sustainably calls for new business models and financial reforms.
The Nordic region must become the most sustainable and integrated region in the world. This goal is achievable only if we keep our forests healthy through sustainable forestry and innovative, technological practices. We must recognise and understand the importance of forests both in preserving the climate and biodiversity and as a source of sustainable materials.
The next IUFRO congress will take place in Kenya in 2029.
https://www.norden.org/en/news/preserving-our-planet-vital-role-forests