TITLE:
Forest‐wood value chain and climate change: transition to circular bioeconomy
DESCRIPTION:
Despite a high share of forest cover and abundant natural resources, Slovenia's forests remain underutilized, which has also been recognized by policy makers. Consequently, several actions have been taken recently aiming at strengthening sustainable (local) forest-based value chains, from the tree in the forest to the final product with high added value. The overall objective of this research programme is to identify current challenges along the entire forest-based value chain and to search for optimal solutions by using all available knowledge and resources (laboratories and databases). To facilitate the work, the programme is divided into five working groups (WGs) covering all planned activities. In each WG, 3-5 objectives are defined, describing the main activities of the respective research programme: - WG1: Modern silviculture for higher-quality forest products - WG2: Wood properties and improved wood-based materials - WG3: Efficient use of wood in construction - WG4: Forest- and wood-based bioeconomy - WG5: Project management and dissemination. Researchers from three research organizations form the proposed research group to ensure the cross-sectoral (forestry, wood science and timber construction) and innovative approach to achieve the set objectives and to link the group with industry. The underlying theme of all WGs is the exchange of know-how and research ideas between researchers with different backgrounds. Their high professional and well-equipped laboratories ensure complete feasibility of the proposed programme, which is original, complex and interdisciplinary. The contribution of forest-based industries to the national economy can be increased by: (I) sustainable management, (II) protection of forest resources and biodiversity, and (III) use of economically viable and environmentally and socially sound wood-based products. In particular, the set objectives of the programme will contribute to: o Development of analytical methods and accumulation of knowledge, which will enhance exchange and knowledge transfer with the world scientific community. o Building (inter)national capacity to strengthen sustainable forest-based value chains taking into account sustainable forest management and climate change issues. o Increased knowledge of wood quality and properties (chemical, physical, mechanical) as a function of tree growth conditions. o Use of advanced and new technologies and processes to develop new wood-based materials and transition to a circular economy. o New information on the micro and macro-mechanical properties of wood and laminated wood products, contributing to fundamental knowledge in the fields of study. o Improved cooperation and communication among stakeholders along the forest-based value chain, leading to higher yields of wood products with higher added value (transformation from a "low-tech" industry to a "high-tech" industry); increased resilience of the value chain.
DURATION:
2022/01/01 - 2027/12/31
FUNDING:
Slovenian Research Agency
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