ONEforest Policy Brief – Forests, Wood Value Chain, and Multicriteria Decision Making in Four European Countries
Forests offer a wealth of benefits that are crucial for human well-being, including the provision of timber, non-timber products, biodiversity support, water resources, recreational opportunities, and carbon storage. As vital players in the shift away from fossil-based materials, forests are essential to building a greener economy. However, they face growing threats from climate change, including increased disturbances such as fires, storms, pests, and droughts, which heighten the vulnerability of forest ecosystems.
The diverse and sometimes conflicting services provided by forests necessitate complex decision-making processes in forest management, impacting downstream value chains. A multi-criteria decision support system is essential for navigating the synergies and trade-offs inherent in sustainable forest management.
To achieve resilient forests, it is crucial to foster a shared understanding and consensus among all stakeholders involved in the forest-wood value chain, including owners, managers, industries, communities, and society at large. Balancing these often competing interests requires careful consideration of diverse needs and objectives.
In response to these challenges, the ONEforest partnership has identified four key policy recommendations outlined in the ONEforest Policy Brief. This document anticipates the impacts of various policy pathways on long-term forest ecosystem services, considering the ongoing transitions driven by climate change and the unique regional demands across Europe. Through these recommendations, ONEforest aims to guide stakeholders toward sustainable and resilient forest management practices.
