Publication

The forests of the boreal region have supported the livelihoods and well being of local people for thousands of years. Industrial forestry has provided work and income and through trade the economic importance of boreal forests has grown. In today’s national and international policies and public attitudes there is great emphasis on nature protection and non-wood ecosystem values. Yet wood products can continue to be an inherent part of the services provided by boreal forests. 

This publication is part of a series of policy briefs produced by IUFRO-WFSE on major regions of the world. It highlights some of the key issues in securing the continued function of the boreal forests to work for people and nature. Future uncertainties certainly increase the demands for their innovative use and sustainable management. 

Key Messages

• The forestry sector in boreal forest regions has been drastically affected by multiple meta-drivers. Consequently, there is a strong need to shift focus and support towards renewal and diversification through green economy and forest-related services. This could result in forest-based sector that would be a thriving combination of new and traditional activities in the future.
• It is apparent that services related to wood and non-wood forest products, as well as the many other forest ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation, water provisioning and for recreational and cultural values will play an ever-growing role in the economies and well-being of the boreal region.
• Cross-sectoral policies, coordinated strategies and collaboration among various eco-nomic sectors are necessary to secure these services to meet the future demands and to develop practices to support forests in providing economic diversity.
• Closer collaboration among boreal countries, among governments, stakeholders and international organizations, is needed to support the transformation of the forest sector and to enhance adaptation of the boreal forests to future uncertainties.

Collaborating Organizations

• European Forest Institute
• Finnish Forest Research Institute
• Future Forests Research Programme
• Swedish Agricultural University
• University of Eastern Finland