SUFOR - Sustainable forestry in southern Sweden
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THE PROBLEMForests and forest soil are undermined by air pollutants, must struggle against natural stress and may be affected by possible future climate changes. They are still expected to retain their natural values, provide high-quality, environmentally approved timber, act as ecological buffer systems and tolerate intensive use as recreational areas. Using new, and sometimes old tried and tested, methods of sustainable forestry, the forests can be well utilised by their owners and visitors without jeopardising yield, fertility or biodiversity. The forest is no longer just forest, and timber is no longer just timber. The fact that forests and forest soil are no longer used just for producing wood products but play a number of vital roles in the environment is now patently obvious to many people.HOW CAN THE PROGRAMME CONTRIBUTE TO A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM?The aim of SUFOR is to show how biodiversity, healthy forests and sustainable production can be combined with profitability in forestry - and to transform research results into practical silviculture. The forest needs to be utilised and tendered in ways which satisfy various requirements and that are acceptable to many different stakeholders. The forests are to give a high, valuable yield. It is to be possible to maintain quality from one generation of trees to the next. The forest's natural biodiversity is to be maintained. Animals, plants, moss, lichens and other organisms that occur naturally in forest ecosystems shall be able to continue to live in natural conditions and in robust populations. The biogeochemical processes of the forest are to be well balanced and almost stable for 100-150 years. The forests should be in an acceptable state of health, despite the obvious threats of extreme weather conditions, the impact of air pollution, pests, over-intensive harvesting and future climate change. The impact of forestry on water quality in the area should only be negligible; neither the groundwater, lakes and watercourses nor coastal waters are to be negatively affected. The forests shall also function as recreational areas.WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE RESULTS?Forestry and its trade organisations. Central, regional and local authorities responsible for forest issues, recreation, physical planning and water management. Interest groups (environment, nature conservation, recreation).
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