Nordic forests play a vital role as carbon sinks and are central to climate change mitigation and sustainability transitions. However, these transitions bring challenges for biodiversity conservation and the forest-based economy.
This new study reviews the sustainability challenges facing Nordic forests and identifies future pathways for improvement. Using a cross-sectional review of scientific literature from 2019–2024, authors screened 8,303 studies from Scopus and Web of Science, with 151 studies meeting the inclusion criteria.
🔍 Key findings:
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Most environmental challenges relate to biodiversity conservation.
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Economic barriers often concern sustainable economic development.
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Social barriers center on relations and collaboration within forestry sectors.
🌱 The study highlights opportunities to:
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Prioritize biodiversity conservation within active forest management.
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Strengthen compliance with sustainability standards to prevent unsustainable biomass sourcing.
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Promote knowledge exchange between forest owners and service providers.
📖 Read the full article here: ScienceDirect link