The Finnish Forest Bioeconomy Science Panel
The Finnish Forest Bioeconomy Science Panel offers independent and interdisciplinary research information on the sustainable and versatile use of Finland’s forests. The panel strengthens the knowledge base for decision-making and supports the development of forest-based innovations
What is the Finnish Forest Bioeconomy Science Panel?
The Finnish Forest Bioeconomy Science Panel is an interdisciplinary and independent expert body. The panel provides research information to support political decision-making regarding forests as well as to support innovation development in the forestry sector. The basis of the panel’s activities is the sustainable value chain of forests, i.e., the economic, ecological, social and cultural sustainability of forest use.
The science panel has been appointed by the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Ministry of Labor and Economy. Its term of office is from 1 January 2023 until 31 December 2026.
How does the panel work?
The panel supports political decision-making. It anticipates decision-making needs, synthesizes research on forest bioeconomy and issues policy recommendations when necessary. In addition to decision-making, the information provided by the panel supports the development of forest-based innovations.
The panel prepares statements on legislative initiatives, strategies and policy programs concerning forests and forest utilization. If necessary, the panel supplements its knowledge base by consulting various stakeholders and international experts on the subject.
Why is the panel needed?
75 percent of Finland’s surface is covered by forests, and they contain a total of 2.5 billion cubic meters of wood. Forests play a key role in meeting climate, economic and biodiversity goals. Forests absorbe carbon dioxide, are central to biodiversity, provide raw materials for industry and produce versatile ecosystem services.
It is important that the utilization and protection of forests is based on scientific knowledge. The panel compiles information and produces scenarios on, among other things, wood-based product innovations and their added value, climate and biodiversity impacts of the forest sector, and the acceptability of forest use.
Report of the Finnish Forest Bioeconomy Science Panel 1/2024
European forests play key roles in the green transition, including the supply of renewable raw materials, safeguarding biodiversity, and acting as carbon sinks and storages. The Finnish Forest Bioeconomy Science Panel suggests themes to which the new EU Commission. The panel’s messages to the Commission were first published in autumn 2023. This is the third version of the publication.
Members of the panel:
Chairs:
Executive Vice President Antti Asikainen, Natural Resources Institute Finland
antti.asikainen@luke.fi, tel. +358 295 323 250
Unit Director Riikka Paloniemi, Finnish Environment Institute
riikka.paloniemi@syke.fi, tel. +358 295 251 493
Research Professor Tekla Tammelin, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
tekla.tammelin@vtt.fi, tel. +358 400562814
Other panelists:
Professor Markku Karjalainen, Tampere University
Professor Jari Liski, Finnish Meteorological Institute
Associate Professor Marileena Mäkelä, University of Jyväskylä
Professor Timo Muotka, University of Oulu
Senior Lecturer Leena Suopajärvi, University of Lapland
Dean Ritva Toivonen, University of Helsinki
Research Professor Liisa Tyrväinen, Natural Resources Institute Finland
Professor Esa Vakkilainen, LUT-university
Professor Jari Vauhkonen, University of Eastern Finland
Professor Pasi Virta, University of Turku
Professor Monika Österberg, Aalto-university