Deadline: 27 May 2025 at 13.00 CEST.
Duration: Up to 4 years
Available call budget: NOK 80 million.
Join our call webinar: 3 March 2025 at 11:00-12:00 (CET)
NordForsk administration is hosting a one-hour webinar for researchers regarding the Call for Proposals on Sustainable Futures of Forests. See more details and register here.
Background and thematic framework of the call
The Joint Nordic-Baltic Initiative on Sustainable Futures of Forests is an important collaboration that addresses the pressing challenges facing forests in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Forests cover vast areas of these landscapes and are vital not only for local economies but also for the social and cultural fabric of the region. They provide multiple benefits, including supporting biodiversity, supplying raw materials, and delivering essential ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, which helps mitigate climate change on a global scale.
As climate change accelerates, forests in the Nordic and Baltic countries are becoming increasingly vulnerable to rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, pests, pathogens, and biodiversity loss. Beyond the economic value of forest products— which can replace non-renewable resources through the sustainable and circular use of wood-based materials— the social importance of forests is also growing. However, managing these forests presents challenges. It requires balancing the provision of ecosystem services and public access while also halting biodiversity decline and ensuring economic viability for forest owners.
Forest management involves a complex balancing act: delivering ecosystem services, safeguarding biodiversity, supporting equitable public access, and remaining economically sustainable for forest owners. Recognizing this, the Joint Nordic-Baltic Initiative on Sustainable Futures of Forests emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach—one that integrates environmental sustainability, economic growth, and the protection of forests as vital social and cultural assets.
Aim of the call
This initiative is particularly important as it brings together the collective expertise and resources of the Nordic and Baltic countries. By promoting cross-border cooperation, the initiative encourages a holistic approach to sustainable forestry, integrating scientific research, innovative technology, and sustainable management practices. It creates a platform for sharing knowledge, addressing common challenges, and developing solutions that are tailored to the region’s unique ecological and economic contexts.
One of the key benefits of the initiative is its ability to foster collaboration among researchers, stakeholders, and governments. This collaboration strengthens the region’s capacity to tackle critical issues such as forest resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable wood production. By working together, the Nordic and Baltic countries can lead the way in developing innovative approaches to forestry that not only preserve ecosystems but also enhance the long-term sustainability of forest resources.
Important: In order to see all information about the call, you need to read the full call text.
See also: How to apply
