There is a strong connection between bioenergy and sustainable forest management. But how does this work?

On the week of the International Day of Forests, Bioenergy Europe is proud to present a new paper on The Symbiotic Relationship between Bioenergy and Forest Management in Europe. The paper aims to clarify common misconceptions on the topic, delving into key concepts like carbon sink, carbon stock and biodiversity and explores the links between sustainable forest management, the forest industry and bioenergy. It comes with a dedicated page on Bioenergy Europe’s website.

The relationship between bioenergy and sustainable forest management

Bioenergy mostly relies on residues and by-products of the forest-based industries, such as sawmills and forest operators. Since these products cannot be used in other industries, the bioenergy sector creates a market which provides the European Union with a valuable and renewable source of energy.

The carbon sink

Forests serve as essential carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 during photosynthesis and transforming it into biomass. However, not all forests are the same. While old growth forests have a higher carbon stock, their carbon sink diminishes over time. On the contrary, younger forests capture CO2 faster, but have a lower carbon stock. Sustainable forest management takes this into account, ensuring a balance between carbon stock and sink is kept.

The paper explores common misconceptions behind the causal link between deforestation and bioenergy. While it is true that the carbon sink is reducing, the causes are mostly connected to climate change.

What about biodiversity?

Sustainable forest management not only coexists with biodiversity conservation but can actively support it.

Sustainable forest management could lead to both environmental and commercial objectives. Protecting biodiversity is one of them. Managing a forest means balancing forests needs and benefits of forests, while maintaining their ecological integrity and resilience.

To learn more about Sustainable Forest Management read the informative paper The Symbiotic Relationship between Bioenergy and Forest Management in Europe and explore the sustainable forest management page.