OEKB100196 Management and monitoring of carbon, non-timber forest products and other forest ecosystem services in the context of sustainable forest management

Type
course with continuous assessment
Semester hours
4
Lecturer (assistant)
Vacik, Harald , Neumann, Mathias , Linser, Stefanie
Organisation
Silviculture
Offered in
Wintersemester 2025/26
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

Concepts and calculation methods for in-situ carbon storage (pools and flows) in forests and ex-situ carbon in wood products are explained and possible substitution effects are highlighted.
The different concepts for quantifying, monitoring and evaluating forest ecosystem services are explained. The concept of criteria and indicators is explained, requirements for the development of indicators and the need for data bases for evaluation are discussed. The challenges involved in the process (data availability, methodological preparation, negotiation process, targets) are addressed.
The effects of different management options on the production of non-wood products and the provision of forest ecosystem services are highlighted. Trade-offs between different ecosystem services (including timber production, protection against natural hazards, recreational services, carbon storage) that may arise in the context of forest management are demonstrated using examples of different stand and site conditions, as well as under climate change and extreme events. Concepts for marketing forest ecosystem services (including payment for ecosystem services and carbon credits) are presented.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After successfully completing this course, students will be able to better assess the importance of forest ecosystem services and non-wood products for the economic management of forestry operations. The module will equip them with the necessary skills to assess the framework conditions and chances of success of future income opportunities with various decision-makers. This includes assessing and estimating carbon storage using a case study and developing treatment concepts for the preservation or achievement of forest ecosystem services in order to reach a desired target state. Upon completion of this module, students will be able to critically examine data and methods in terms of their applicability and reliability. The focus is on acquiring the basic skills for carbon management and communicating the limitations and interactions with other forest uses.
Students will understand the forest policy significance of the internationally and participatively developed Global Forest Goals, the Global Core Set of forest-related indicators and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for comparable forestry reporting. They will be able to transfer this to the EU or national level and will be familiar with these strategies and programmes.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.