Ecoforestry is a project about sustainable forestry in the Baltic Sea region. The project focuses on ecological methods for production of quality timber and on the creation of an international certification system for timber.
The forests in the Baltic Sea region are of great importance to national economies, recreation, tourism and the global climate, Ecoforestry argues. However, loss of biodiversity, carbon storage and recreational values in the forests are causing problems. Ecoforestry suggests that monocultures have replaced more varied and resilient natural forests, and that modern forests or plantations are far more susceptible to pests and storms. The project’s conclusion is that new forestry methods are needed.
Due to the demand for pulp and biofuels there is a lack of quality timber, which is needed to increase the value of timber and create more local jobs in rural areas. Against this background, the project wants to create an international certification system for timber. The main purpose of the project is to increase the knowledge of ecoforestry among the partners and other target groups in the Baltic Sea region. The activities include workshops and seminars, where the creation of an international certification system will be discussed. The project will invite scientists, landowners, nature tour companies and tourism organizations. Also, the project will prepare a project draft for a larger project on ecoforestry.