Market based and regulatory/enforcement mechanisms- assessment of impacts on timber trade between South-east Asia and Europe

Raised public concern in the European Union (EU) about the legality of its timber imports, the need to combat illegal logging and deforestation, and for promoting sustainable forest management practices, have pushed the EU commission to raise its standards and legality demands for wood imports. Combining literature review, structured interviews of importers and end-users of hardwood timber, and trade data analysis this study assesses the combined potential influence from the policy mechanisms FLEGT, the EU Timber regulation (EUTR), and different third party verification schemes on the timber trade between tropical countries and Europe. As this combined impact is more readily traced at national level, this study focuses on the implications of the abovementioned policy instruments on the trade in tropical timber between Indonesia and the UK, being important suppliers and consumers of tropical timber respectively. The results indicate that FLEGT and EUTR could reinvigorate the, until now, rather ineffective (in the narrow sense of stopping illegal timber trade) third party verification schemes. The literature as well as answers from interviews and questionnaires indicates that FLEGT and the EUTR could reinforce the current trend of decreasing imports of tropical timber to EU. The substitution of oak lumber for tropical hardwood lumber mentioned in the literature as well as in interviews and questionnaires is confirmed by the results of econometric analysis. The interviews also indicate a diversion of exports of tropical timber to destinations with less stringent regulatory framework than the EU

The opinions of some stakeholders on the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR): an analysis of secondary sources

The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) is the most recent effort by the European Union (EU) to curb imports of illegally sourced timber. The regulation raises important questions concerning the international timber trade. In order to successfully implement this regulation it is of paramount importance to classify the actors concerned, and examine how they regard it. The current study records and summarizes opinion statements of stakeholders as found in different online publications. Though the problem of illegal logging and its associated trade is acknowledged by all parties, there are concerns as to whether the EUTR is the proper instrument to address this issue. Whilst some stakeholders see the EUTR as advantageous for their businesses, others see it as an impediment. Law enforcement, lack of guidance, and bureaucracy were other issues raised. The trade-off between effective legislation and ease of trade was also highlighted. Transparent and consistent application of the EUTR, with clear guidelines for exerting due diligence, should diminish the degree of possible unwanted side-effects such as trade diversion and substitution of temperate timber for tropical timber.JRC.H.3-Forest Resources and Climat

Bioeconomy imaginaries: A review of forest-related social science literature

Correction: Early Access FEB 2022 10.1007/s13280-022-01713-3This review article examines how social science literature co-produces various imaginaries of forest-based bioeconomy transformations and pathways for reaching desired ends. Based on an analysis of 59 research articles, we find that despite a growing number of social sciences studies on the forest-based bioeconomy, much of the research tends to replicate a bioeconomy imaginary articulated in EU and national bioeconomy policies and strategies. Accordingly, the research primarily reproduces a weak approach to sustainability, which prioritize economic growth and competitiveness. Expectations are largely directed at national and regional corporate interests and forest industrial renewal, while the state has a supportive rather than restricting role. We discuss the findings against the role of social sciences, and conclude that social science scholars may adopt various strategies if interested in opening up forest-based policy debates and offer alternative imaginaries of sustainable bioeconomy transformations.Peer reviewe

Bioökonomie

Zusammenfassung: Der Buchbeitrag befasst sich mit der Geschichte des Begriffs „Bioökonomie“. Er geht auf die verschiedenen Deutungsmöglichkeiten desselben ein, beschäftigt sich dann aber im Wesentlichen mit Bioökonomiestrategien und geplanten Handlungen, die darauf abzielen, fossile Rohstoffe durch bio-basierte zu ersetzen beziehungsweise durch die Nutzung letzterer, Effizienz in Produktion und Konsum steigern zu können. Der Beitrag zeigt, dass die Bioökonomie eine mit zahlreichen Politikfeldern verschränkte politische Strategie ist, die jedoch nicht eindeutig definiert ist und deren Ziele umstritten sind. Der Unterschied im Verständnis von Bioökonomie wird an den nationalen Konzepten Finnlands, Schwedens und Deutschlands erläutert. Deutlich wird ferner, dass besonders in Bezug auf die Nutzung global verfügbarer Rohstoffe Zielkonflikte bestehen. Diskutiert wird auch, inwieweit Bioökonomiestrategien nachhaltig sind oder asymmetrische Beziehungen reproduzieren. Dabei werden Themen wie Landknappheit und -konflikte sowie sozioökonomische Auswirkungen auf verschiedene Bevölkerungsgruppen beziehungsweise Regionen behandelt. Abschließend umreißen wir offene Forschungsfragen

Actors and Politics in Finland's Forest-Based Bioeconomy Network

To foster innovativeness for supporting (forest-based) bioeconomy development, participation in decision-making and interaction between diverse actors become a necessary precondition for designing and implementing transition policies. However, who forms the emerging policy networks, and which policy beliefs are promoted? Based on data from a national online survey, we performed a quantitative social network analysis to investigate emerging social structures and policy beliefs in the context of the Finnish forest-based bioeconomy. Our explorative analysis shows that research, governmental, and industrial organizations mainly constitute the Finnish forest-based bioeconomy network. Actors primarily exchange information, and most key organizations report high levels of trust among each other. However, the network structure is rather closed. This raises concerns about equal benefit sharing and the inclusiveness of concerned actors. We discuss the implication of this network structure for enabling new innovations. Finally, we present the key aspects and drivers of business as usual, and suggest an option for or a more transformative change in the Finnish forest-based bioeconomy.Peer reviewe

European Union Timber Regulation Impact on International Timber Markets

The trade of illegal timber, often from illegal logging, has severe environmental, social and economic consequences. The EU’s response to this problem came with the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan, with its specific goal to end illegal logging, thereby improving sustainability of forest resources. In March 2013, an additional step was taken by implementing the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). The EUTR requires proof of timber’s origin and legality to ensure that no illegal timber is imported into the EU. To this end the EU intends to block imports of any wood or wood product which comes from unknown sources. Certification of sustainable forest management will help EU importers minimize risk, which is an essential part of their required due diligence system. Monitoring organizations are established to assist trade associations and businesses to construct comprehensive due diligence systems. National competent authorities are designated to follow the trade of the new FLEGT-licensed timber and timber products. In the first year of the EUTR there are positive impacts, of which the most important is awareness of the disastrous situation with illegal logging, driven by exports of illegal timber. Another positive development is tropical timber exporters documenting the legality of their wood exports. Yet another positive feature is establishment of due diligence systems by EU importers. However, there are considerable problems for ensuring legal trade; for example the lack of comprehensive documentation of origin and legality. Analysis of recent trends establishes changes in the European timber trade in terms of sourcing, substitution, diversion to less-demanding countries. Short-term forecasts of market trends and changes will enable further policy assessment to achieve the objectives of improved legality in international timber markets.JRC.H.3-Forest Resources and Climat

Bioeconomy perception by future stakeholders: Hearing from European forestry students

This article provides useful information for universities offering forestry programs and facing the growing demand for bioeconomy education. An explorative survey on bioeconomy perception among 1400 students enrolled in 29 universities across nine European countries offering forestry programs was performed. The data have been elaborated via descriptive statistics and cluster analysis. Around 70% of respondents have heard about the bioeconomy, mainly through university courses. Students perceive forestry as the most important sector for bioeconomy; however, the extent of perceived importance of forestry varies between countries, most significantly across groups of countries along a North–South European axis. Although differences across bachelor and master programs are less pronounced, they shed light on how bioeconomy is addressed by university programs and the level of student satisfaction with this. These differences and particularities are relevant for potential development routes towards comprehensive bioeconomy curricula at European forestry universities with a forestry focus.Peer reviewe

Implementing Circular-Bioeconomy Principles across Two Value Chains of the Wood-Based Sector: A Conceptual Approach

The wood-based sector has the potential to contribute significantly to the circular bioeconomy. This paper examines the potential for implementing circular bioeconomy principles across two value chains, covering five sectors: “sawnwood”, “bioenergy”, “construction”, “paper and pulp”, and “cellulose-based fibres and plastics”. The qualitative value chain analysis is limited to the material flow and demonstrates that a circular approach requires transformation across entire value chains. Implementing circular bioeconomy principles will require new business models, cooperation across sectors and companies, and the application of new technologies and management tools. More importantly, the results demonstrate that more applicable tools and methods are needed to analyse circularity. The results likewise confirm prevailing conceptual ambiguities surrounding the circular bioeconomy concept, such as the relationship between circularity and sustainability, which would need clarification. For example, circularity does not equal sustainability, nor guarantees economic viability for the wood-based sector. The paper argues that a circular wood-based system needs tailored governance approaches as there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. The wood-based sectors will also need to account for sustainability criteria and the natural limitations of wood (as a material) to close value retention loops