NEWS
A research study led by Therese Bjärstig, a researcher at Future Forests at Umeå University, examines how collaborative processes can address natural resource conflicts, focusing on key habitats in Swedish forests.
The study, part of Future Forests' interdisciplinary research, analyzes how external events and politicization affect collaborative processes in forest management. Key habitats, forest areas with high conservation values, have become a debated concept illustrating the complex balance between forestry and environmental protection.
The research team identified three significant "game changers" that influenced the process:
A pause in the inventory of key habitats
A budget proposal from the government
The long wait for formal instructions
These events had a considerable impact on participants' engagement and expectations of the process.
The study highlights the importance of understanding how external factors can influence collaborative processes and the risk of "dialogue fatigue" among participants. This aligns with Future Forests' goal of creating a robust knowledge base for sustainable decisions about the future of forests.
Researchers plan to continue studying dialogue and collaboration processes to provide evidence-based advice on when these methods are most effective in forest management.
This research contributes to Future Forests' mission to balance various interests and shape a future where the many values of forests are preserved.
The study exemplifies Future Forests' commitment to interdisciplinary research that addresses complex issues in forest management and supports sustainable decision-making.
