Udo Mantau

Towards a Taxonomy of Forest Goods and Services

In light of the increasing realisation of the importance of all forest resources, the dichotomisation of forest resources into timber and non-timber is proving to be overly simplistic. Furthermore, at present there is no satisfactory operational definition for non-wood forest products and considering the tremendous variety of forest products it may be doubted that such a definition is possible. This paper examines this inadequacy and its consequences for a productive, holistic approach to the analysis of forest resources and their management. In an attempt to address these problems, a system for dealing with forest resources in a more meaningful, holistic manner is proposed. A clear distinction is made between systems of terms for classification, and terms used for comparison, of forest products. Classifying terms distinguish between classes or groups of objects with similar characteristics while comparative terms serve to highlight differences. Definitions are best served by classifying terms and this paper proposes both logical targets for definitions of forest products and a pragmatic typology for such products.

Estimation of wood removals and fellings in Germany: a calculation approach based on the amount of used roundwood

AbstractThis paper presents an ex-post calculation approach for the use-side estimation of wood fellings in Germany. Based on an existing approach for calculating wood removals, all roundwood using sectors and available data sources are to be identified. An intensive analysis and evaluation of the data scope and quality, as well as the subsequent identification of data gaps on the use side are essential parts of the approach. A complementary part of the study is the development of individual sectoral models to close the identified data gaps on the use side. The calculated data on wood removals are then used for the estimation of wood fellings, taking into account variables such as logging residues. The comparison of the use-side calculated data for fellings in this paper, with supply-based data from official statistics, shows that there was a difference of about 16.1 million m3 in 2013. This tendency toward constant underestimation of fellings in the official statistics is known from various studies and can now be quantified for the complete period of investigation (1995–2013). The results also allow for a more realistic view on a possible sustainable increase in wood harvests and on decision making in forest-based industries. Moreover, they allow for more accurate calculations of carbon sequestration in forests and harvested wood products.

Risks and chances to market recreational and environmental goods and services -- experience from 100 case studies

Abstract The main objective of the research project is to develop market solutions and strategies for various forest outputs, which are considered to be not, or hardly, marketable. The phenomenon of ‘public goods’ is considered under dynamic conditions, in which marketability is rather a matter of product and framework development than of objective circumstances. Solutions were found on the basis of 98 case studies, field developments in cooperation with forest landowners and on literature studies. The RES products are mainly offered at market-oriented prices. With the broad field of services the creative possibilities with regard to the height and the mode of price-incline are much larger in comparison to mass products. Market development depends on contracting ability and existing transaction organization. The relationship between the character of products and the chosen form of contracting and distribution is shown on the basis of transaction–cost theory. Household surveys show that the acceptability of pricing can be quite high, depending on the kind of offer. In this context, it is important to differentiate between public opinion and specific user-group opinions. Finally, some basic ideas are presented on how the marketability of hardly marketable or so-called public goods can be improved. In this context, the market aspect of non-material values, the conditions of market development, the complexity of products and the human factor in marketability are discussed.

From inventory to consumer biomass availability—the ITOC model

Key message The application of the ITOC model allows the estimation of available biomass potentials from forests on the basis of National Forest Inventory data. The adaptation of the model to country-specific situations gives the possibility to further enhance the model calculations.ContextWith the rising demand for energy from renewable sources, up-to-date information about the available amount of biomass on a sustainable basis coming from forests became of interest to a wide group of stakeholders. The complexity of answering the question about amounts of biomass potentials from forests thereby increases from the regional to the European level.AimsThe described ITOC model aims at providing a tool to develop a comparable data basis for the actual biomass potentials for consumption.MethodsThe ITOC model uses a harmonized net annual increment from the National Forest Inventories as a default value for the potential harvestable volume of timber. The model then calculates the total theoretical potential of biomass resources from forests. By accounting for harvesting restrictions and losses, the theoretical potential of biomass resources from forests is reduced and the actual biomass potentials for consumption estimated.ResultsThe results from ITOC model calculations account for the difference between the amounts of wood measured in the forests and the actual biomass potentials which might be available for consumption under the model assumptions.ConclusionThe gap between forest resource assessments and biomass potentials which are available for consumption can be addressed by using the ITOC model calculation results.

Wood Processing Residues

Rising demand for and scarcity of wood - together with cost savings and resource efficiency requirements - have led to a constant increase in the use of wood processing residues, where appropriate, in the production of wood-based products. This chapter presents/reviews the available information and existing knowledge of residues at various regional levels. It describes the segment of wood processing residues as an important wood resource and the availability of data on a national and on a global level for the quantification and the projection of the resource. The chapter points out the importance of empirical data (collection). Furthermore, it provides a terminology concept for a harmonised use of the diverse assortments and production stages of wood processing residues.