Climate change is reshaping landscapes worldwide, and the forests of central eastern Norway are no exception. In this region, small forest owners are grappling with the challenge of adapting to more extreme climates while maintaining sustainable forest management practices. Living Lab North (LL North) has emerged as a crucial initiative, offering support and innovative solutions for forest owners to build resilience and secure the future of their forests.
The Forests and Their Challenges
Located in softwood-dominated forests with Norway spruce, pine, and birch, LL North represents a microcosm of Northern Europe’s forest ecosystem. The region’s 48,000 small forest owners manage an average of 54 hectares each, a responsibility that has grown more complex with the intensifying effects of climate change.
Extreme weather events and the demand for adaptive forest management pose significant hurdles, particularly for those with limited knowledge about sustainable forestry. Ownership fragmentation and monoculture practices only add to the complexity, leaving many owners searching for guidance and solutions.
Building Climate-Resilient Forests
Living Lab North envisions a future where forests are better equipped to withstand climate disruptions. The initiative focuses on fostering climate-resilient management strategies that integrate sustainable timber production, biodiversity preservation, and carbon farming. Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) play a pivotal role in incentivizing these practices, helping owners balance ecological responsibility with economic sustainability.
Engaging Forest Owners: The June 2024 Workshop
In June 2024, LL North held its first Initiation Workshop, in the context of the Small4Good project, in Oslo, Norway, bringing together 14 participants in person and two online representatives. Hosted by the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) and the Norwegian Forest Owners’ Federation, the workshop provided a platform for learning, discussion, and collaboration.
Key highlights included:
- An introduction to the Small4Good project and its goals.
- Presentations on Norwegian harvest methods and PES concepts.
- Open discussions about climate adaptiveness and the need to move away from monoculture practices.
Forest owners expressed a shared desire for more knowledge about research-based forest management. This enthusiasm for learning aligns with LL North’s mission to equip owners with the tools and insights they need to tackle climate challenges effectively.
Why It Matters
Beyond its regional impact, LL North offers valuable lessons for sustainable forestry across Europe. By addressing socio-economic challenges such as ownership fragmentation and promoting innovative management practices, this initiative serves as a model for adapting forests to a changing climate.
Supported by the European Union, LL North demonstrates how collaboration and education can lead to a brighter, greener future. With the continued engagement of local forest owners, this initiative has the potential to shape resilient landscapes that benefit both people and the planet.
Conclusion
Living Lab North and the Small4Good project is more than just a project — a movement for sustainable forestry and climate adaptation. By bringing forest owners together and fostering innovative management practices, LL North is turning challenges into opportunities for a sustainable future.
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