Forest management regimes of mixed forests (SEKAVA)

Projects related to the National Forest Strategy of Finland -page
Projects related to the Climate Plan for the Land Use Sector -page 

Participants

Natural Resources Institute Finland

Description

Duration: 2020-2023

Silviculture in Finland has been based over decades on even-aged forest management, favoring
coniferous single-species stands. Research has shown that mixed forests can provide a wider range of ecosystem services than single-species stands. Changes in the operating environment set new
demands for the use of forests. Wood production is one objective, but at the same time, forests are expected to mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, play an important role in the water and nutrient cycles and provide citizens with recreational opportunities.

Mixed forests offer great opportunities for sustainable and multifunctional forest management taken into account climate impacts, resilience, resource efficiency and biodiversity. Wood production can also benefit from mixed forests. Even though the silviculture of mixed forests in Finland would not result in increased wood production, the improved vitality and resistance of mixed forests secure sustainability of wood production in changing conditions.

The SEKAVA project provides information on how to grow and manage existing mixed forests and how to establish and grow new mixed forests. The SEKAVA project provides research-based information on mixed forest management chains to support decision-making and guidance on mixed forest management.

Further information

Natural Resources Institute Finland's project website