One of the research projects aims to find a way to more sustainable forestry - without clearcutting and with a greater variety of wood types.
“Many polls show that smallholders would like to convert parts of their forest if they only knew how and where they can sell the products,” says Madelene Ostwald, senior associate professor at the Department of Thematic Studies – Environmental Change.
She leads the research project Multifunctional forestry for a better environment, which receives SEK 7.4 million in funding from the Kamprad Family Foundation. This is the largest amount received by any of the LiU projects.
An alternative forestry
According to Madelene Ostwald, the problem with today’s forestry is that the entire chain from raw material to final product is optimised for large volumes of pine and spruce of a certain size. Both forestry machines and sawmills are adapted to this requirement. Critics point out that it causes carbon emissions, damages biodiversity and destroys the aesthetic value of the land.
Madelene Ostwald thinks there is a demand for more varied products. However, it is unclear what this middle part of the production chain might look like, and that is what will now be explored. For example, other types of sawmills and machinery are needed. This requires intermediaries who are prepared to work differently, and that requires knowledge. She thinks the entire production chain will probably be more local.
Collaboration with stakeholders
The idea is that the research project will result in two digital guidebooks – one for smallholders and one for municipalities. They will provide tips and advice and include descriptions of both the risks and benefits of a different way of working. The researchers will work closely with stakeholders such as forest owners, sawmills and buyers.
“If they feel an alternative system is economically viable, I don’t think there will be a problem. But, for now, the uncertainties are too great. If you decide to convert part of your forest, you will do it in 30–40 years’ time. These are long processes, so you want to be quite sure that it works,” says Madelene Ostwald.
The project will run for three years.
Other LiU projects that received funding from the Kamprad Family Foundation in 2025:
• Clean water also in the future – a unique proof of concept project for waste water reuse, Hanna Woksepp, SEK 7,000,000.
• Sustainable management of PFAS-contaminated soil - stakeholder-driven development of a comprehensive tool for decision support, Jana Johansson, SEK 4,700,000.
• From visionary roadmaps to concrete and robust change strategies - a study of recycling stakeholders' new roles in a circular economy, Joakim Johansson, SEK 4,600,000.
• Multiple stakeholder collaboration for sustainable and resilient transport systems, Maria Björklund, 2,500,000 SEK.
