Leading scientists and young investigators open a debate on bioenergy drivers, options and impacts on future forest growing, management and production of traditional goods and services.
Forests, their Products and Services (FPS)
The following examples illustrate aspects of research in this Domain. The scope of the Domain is not, however, restricted only to these activities.
Forestry Research supports activities aiming at meeting the economic, environmental and social needs of present and future generations in a sustainable way. In the light of the current international forest dialogue the DC FPS offers a forum for encouraging a scientific debate on ensuring a sustainable provision of forest products and services, such as wood and wood products, water and soil protection, climate regulation, bioenergy, rural development, recreation and public health, habitats for wildlife, landscape diversity, carbon sinks and reservoirs.
Forests and Environment research activities focus on the protection of forests from pollution, abiotic and biotic hazards (fires, storms, pests and diseases…) in order to maintain their full multiple values and the important roles of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation. In this context adequate importance is attached to the provision of timely, reliable and accurate information on forests and forest ecosystems as they are essential for public understanding and knowledge-based decision-making.
Wood Technology research aims at an increase of knowledge necessary for an enhanced and broader use of wood as a sustainable, energy efficient and renewable resource in existing (buildings, constructions etc) and new applications. With the objective to enhance the competitiveness of wood and wood composites, DC FPS supports research activities focusing on the improvement of wood properties, the performance of timber and its indoor and outdoor usability.
Pulp and Paper research contributes to increased knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the pulps and the resulting products. High priority is placed on optimising the level of utilisation of the resources and to improve both the sustainability of pulp and paper making and the competitiveness of paper products in particular in new applications. The research also enables the development of intelligent and efficient manufacturing processes, including reduced energy consumption.
Bioenergy from forests research enhances our knowledge about how to use biomass from forests to meet the energy needs of present and future generations sustainably and without damaging the forest’s ability to meet other needs. Biorefinery research develops the potential for the forest-based sector to extract higher value innovative products for changing markets and customer needs.
At a cross-sector level the DC FPS addresses issues such as sustainability assessment, life-cycle analysis, tourism, public health, energy production and recycling. Therefore, new ideas and interdisciplinary initiatives are welcome.
Information
Domain Committee Members
Contact details of FPS Domain Committee Members
