IUFRO is highlighting the social dimensions of the forest-based bioeconomy in its latest edition. The IUFRO Spotlight Using a social science lens on the forest bioeconomy features findings from the publication Social dimensions of a forest-based bioeconomy: A summary and synthesis, published in Ambio: A Journal of Environment and Society.
Forests can be stretched beyond their traditional applications and used in textiles, chemicals, and cross-laminated timber, among other things, and can provide climate and ecological benefits, lead to rural employment opportunities and add to regional growth. But there are competing demands on forest resources and competing perspectives on how forests should be used. These conflicting perspectives and perceptions on the forest-based bioeconomy impact policy, land use and forest management.
The publication Social dimensions of a forest-based bioeconomy: A summary and synthesis pulls together studies that look at how, for example, perceptions of the forest-based bioeconomy differ across countries and social groups. It is important because it opens the door to more inclusive, locally and socially relevant bioeconomy policies and strategies.
IUFRO Spotlight is an initiative of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations. Its aim is to introduce significant findings in forest research from IUFRO member organisations and/or involving IUFRO officeholders to a worldwide network of decision makers, policy makers and researchers.
