David is currently employed in the forestry sector. We will guide you through the challenges that David is facing today and in the near future. ↓
The forestry sector plays a crucial role in mitigating and slowing down climate change. Forests act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gases through photosynthesis and offsetting their effects. However, deforestation destroys this important carbon sink, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. It's important to note that even without deforestation, human activities still emit more greenhouse gases than the natural carbon sink can absorb.
DID YOU KNOW ?
“2400 trees are cut down every minute”
“The EU has approximately 159 million hectares of forestry land(2020)”
“90% of deforestation is driven by agriculture”
“Between 1990 and 2020, approximately 420 hectares of forestry land were deforested, an area larger than the entire EU”
CLIMATE CHANGE CONSEQUENCES ↓
The rising temperatures caused by climate change will have a significant impact on the geographical distribution of various species. Habitats are likely to shift towards higher altitudes or move further north. Unfortunately, some species may even face the threat of extinction.
In addition, extreme weather events may make trees more vulnerable to destructive insects.
Furthermore, climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires.
Workers in this sector may also be affected by these changes, as higher temperatures and increased rainfall could lead to decreased productivity.
Finally, when forests are disturbed, it can put clean water and air, carbon storage, climate regulation, and forest products at risk.
GREEN DEAL ↓
The EU Green Deal
As a response to the current environmental changes, the EU has introduced a new growth strategy named the European Green Deal. The initiative aims to achieve a climate-neutral Europe by 2050 and zero net emissions of GHG. The Green Deal covers 8 policy areas and involves plans for all sectors and industries..
Forestry > Preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity
The loss of biodiversity has become a global concern, and the European biodiversity strategy aims to put a stop to this. The strategy focuses on the management of forests and maritime areas, as well as environmental protection. Additionally, the strategy addresses the issue of species and ecosystem losses.
The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 includes the following targets:
Protect 30% of the sea territory and 30% of land territory particularly primary forests and old-growth forests
Plant 3 billion trees by 2030
Restore at least 25,000 kilometres of rivers to make them free-flowing
Reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030
Increase organic farming
Increase biodiversity in agriculture
Reverse pollinators decline
Allocate €20 billion per year to the issue and make it part of the business practice
GOOD EXAMPLES ↓
Borregaard is the world’s leading supplier of wood-based pelleting aids widely recognized in the industry their ability to improve pellet quality and manufacturing efficiency. Their solutions address production and handling challenges faced by biomass pellet producers. Not only are the products safe and eco-friendly, but they are also natural, renewable, and sustainable.
Green transition - Norway
Wood-based pelleting
This project aims to tackle climate change adaptation in a practical way by implementing and testing various landscape management initiatives. Forest management techniques are used to reduce the risk of fire, which is becoming more common due to rising temperatures and droughts. The project is located in the marginal mid-mountain areas of La Rioja, Aragón, and Catalonia, with a focus on sustainable restoration and mitigation plans, as well as improving socioeconomic development in the region.
Green transition - Spain
Life MIDMACC
Financed by the EIB, ISIF (Ireland Strategic Investment Fund) and Dasos, a specialist forestry investment fund, the project supported the roll-out of crucial upgrades to Ireland's forestry infrastructure by consolidating its management, targeting privately owned forests.
Green transition - Ireland
Afforestation and forest rehabilitation
This Bulgarian cellulose and paper mill, which is owned by the international packaging and paper group Mondi, manufactures natron paper, fluting and paper bags using gentle chemicals during the raw material processing. The focus is on producing recyclable materials. The facility is in a region with plentiful softwood species, like pine and fir, which are ideal for high-quality kraft paper for bags. The forests are sustainably grown and maintained. The company serves clients across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Additionally, the company invests in environmental working conditions, promotes bicycle transportation for employees, guarantees income policies, prioritizes work safety, embraces computerization, provides green model training, and participates in "green" projects
Green transition - Bulgaria
Mondi Stambolijski EAD
The goal is a total transition to a circular economy. The first step towards a circular economy is to eliminate waste and pollution – recycling turns used packaging into a resource. The second goal is to preserve the materials in use: multiple recycling where new paper products are created. The company reduces waste and pollution, keeps materials in use for a longer time, and helps egenerate natural systems. In addition, there is: a regular renegotiation of the Collective labor agreement (more days off); the renovation of safety systems at work (computerization); free transport and eco-transport (electric); free clothing; use of ecoconsumables; training regarding green models. The company pays for the medical treatment of the workers.
Green transition - Bulgaria
DS Smith
FUNDING ↓
European investment Bank for Forestry
The European Investment Bank (EIB) offers financial support for sustainable forest management, wood-based materials production, and restoration projects in response to natural hazards. The EIB has dedicated €5.5 billion to the forestry sector between 2016 and 2020.
European Union's EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon
Horizon Europe, the EU's primary funding program for research and innovation, prioritizes R&D initiatives that aim to achieve policies outlined in the Green New Deal and Sustainable Development Goals. Legal entities from the EU and its associated members can participate in this program. Additionally, 70% of the program's budget is allocated to small and medium-sized enterprises with disruptive innovations for scaling up.
Forestry projects qualify for funding under the "Societal Challenges - Climate Action, Environment, Resource Efficiency, and Raw Materials" category. Current research and innovation projects include FIRE-RES, an integrative technology approach to implementing a more holistic fire management approach, and supporting the transition toward more resilient landscapes and communities..
JUST TRANSITION
Discover which actions you can undertake ↓
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The forestry sector presents a challenge when it comes to social bargaining due to the prevalence of self-employment, temporary work, and subcontracting. Furthermore, the seasonal and remote nature of this sector makes it hard to organize workers and facilitate social dialogue. As a result, it is important to ensure adequate representation in these rural areas.
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The industry is known for its reliance on self-employment, temporary work, and subcontracting, making it difficult to provide qualitative social protection. Although certification systems can include workers' rights, their adoption rates remain low. Additionally, there are doubts about the trustworthiness of certification schemes. Furthermore, there is currently no comprehensive standard for labour rights in the forestry sector. To ensure a successful transition towards a sustainable future, it is essential to establish strong social protection systems and labour rights standards.
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Currently, there are a lot of people who depend on jobs that involve clearing forests and processing wood, even though these activities contribute to climate change. However, the focus should be on creating "green jobs" in this field that prioritize the management of forest ecosystem services. This will help promote job growth in a sustainable way. These new jobs will include agroforestry, energy production, forest-based recreation, reforestation initiatives, and forest research.
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To enhance productivity and advance the sector, it is crucial to focus on skill development and adopt new technologies and methodologies. This will necessitate increased communication and research. In order to transition to sustainable forest management, training and education are imperative.
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New green jobs in the industry will be created through the use of (bio)technology. Drones, scanning, and soil sensors can predict and monitor the health of forests, leading to better forest management and decision-making.
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The practice of sustainable forest management can help reduce illegal logging. However, it may have adverse effects on those who depend on this activity for their livelihood. To address this, sustainable forest management should offer illegal loggers viable legal options to support their livelihoods. Additionally, communities that rely on firewood for heating and cooking must be given sustainable and climate-conscious alternatives.
Setting out sustainable forest management. Ensuring the social, environmental, and economic benefits of forests.
Maintaining forestry assets through the restriction of deforestation activities.
Increasing the usage of reduced-impact techniques to reduce collateral damage to other trees, erosion, waste, and carbon emissions.
Halting deforestation and committing to reforestation
GREEN TRANSITION
Discover which actions you can undertake ↓
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To minimize harm to other trees, prevent erosion, and reduce waste and carbon emissions, it is important to implement reduced-impact techniques. This includes strategies to reduce the amount of acid waste produced by coal mines.
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The aim of sustainable forest management (SFM) is to ensure that forests supply goods and services to meet both present-day and future needs and contribute to the sustainable development of communities.
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The field of bio-technology is expected to bring about various job opportunities. The use of drones, scanning and soil sensors can enable better prediction and monitoring of the viability and liveability of forests. The implementation of these technologies will result in better forest management.