World Forestry

Innovations in Industrial Forest Management
ORGANISER:
The University of Helsinki , Departments of Forest Ecology, Forest Economics and Forest Resource Management
DATES:
5-21 August 2008
PRICES:
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CREDITS:
6 ECTS
COORDINATOR:
Ms. Gabriela Albarracin, gabriela.albarracin

(at)helsinki.fi
The demand for forest resources is increasing due to growth of the human population and the economy and the increasing role of renewable resources in, for example, energy production. The rapid social, economic and technological changes that have taken place in the era of globalisation call for innovations in the silviculture, management and social governance of the industrial wood supply. The sustainability of forest management for timber production can be enhanced by innovations in resource and landscape management tools, the use of participatory methods, and forest property rights and governance.
The main themes of the course:

remote sensing, GIS, and information management production modelling and resource use optimisation social innovations in the governance of various types of forest ownership structures
The course material focuses particularly on how these innovations can enhance the performance of industrial forest management. Remote sensing and GIS are examples of the new possibilities in resource assessment linking multi-source information to landscape planning. The challenge of management planning is to combine the production functions and restrictions of use with spatial considerations. Ownership structures are analysed in terms of their efficiency, equity, legitimacy and sustainability. Particular emphasis is placed on conflict management, as multiple resource use will inevitably lead to conflict. The theory of innovations will also be dealt with.
The cases related to non-industrial forests focus on associations of forest owners, public cost share programmes, the role of market information and extension services, as well as nature value trade. Participatory planning, on the other hand, is essential in state forests. The cases related to timber procurement include new types of contracts in timber sales.
The course is intended for Master's degree and advanced level students in forestry and related fields, as well as professionals.
Please direct any questions concerning the content of this course to the Coordinator, Ms. Gabriela Albarracin, gabriela.albarracin(at)helsinki.fi. Any questions concerning the general arrangements (accommodation, scholarship, etc.) should be addressed to the Summer School's office at summer-school@helsinki.fi