The applied research group Sustainable Forest Management conducts research into the conservation and restoration of forests, and the optimisation of their ecosystem services.
Online Open Day
4 June
Online Open Day
4 June
The applied research group Sustainable Forest Management conducts research into the conservation and restoration of forests, and the optimisation of their ecosystem services.
Only 11 percent of our land area consists of forest. Ideally, this should be much more, as forests contribute to biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water regulation, microclimate, and the production of the renewable resource wood. However, our forests are threatened by the effects of climate change: storms, fires, floods, and heat. The Applied Research Group Sustainable Forest Management ensures that the forest can withstand these challenges, so it can continue to fulfil its important functions.
The mission of the Applied Research Group Sustainable Forest Management is to promote existing forests and the expansion of forested areas. We achieve this in collaboration with other educational and research institutions and partners from the professional field. We aim to motivate our students and prepare them for socially important and challenging roles as forest managers and advisors.
Research at the Applied Research Group Sustainable Forest Management focuses on how to make our forests more resilient to climate change while preserving their various ecosystem functions. We work along several research lines to achieve this.
Since its inception in 2023, the Applied Research Group Sustainable Forest Management has been the coordinator and partner in projects focused on forest restoration and management.
Vital and Versatile Forest: In Vital Forest, we seek management measures to increase the diversity and resilience of Dutch forests. The affiliated project Versatile Forest supports forest managers in choosing the right management measures.
Wood it be possible: Together with Wageningen University & Research (WUR), we investigate the obstacles to using sustainable wood in construction. We examine the entire chain - from forest to wood usage.
EUROSILVICS: This project aims to develop a European educational platform on forest ecology and management. WUR coordinates, and the Applied Research Group Sustainable Forest Management is an associated partner.
COMBINED How do climate change and biodiversity interact? What measures can we take to create resilient forests and landscapes? A broad consortium is addressing these questions.
We are also committed to tropical forests, such as the sustainable management of palm oil plantations in Asia and reforestation in Africa. For more details, check the projects of the Applied Research Group Oil Palm and Tropical Forests by associate professor Peter van der Meer.
Research by the Applied Research Group for Sustainable Forestry results in various publications: peer-reviewed and trade journal articles, research reports, opinion pieces, and podcasts. This way, we make research visible to fellow scientists as well as the general public. There is a lot of interest, as forests and trees are 'hot'.
You can find all publications of the applied research group on Greeni, the online library of the green universities of applied sciences.
While the applied research group is building a knowledge network (with experienced and young researchers and advisors from the Forest and Nature Management programme, WUR, Staatsbosbeheer, Forestry Groups, and other stakeholders), we are already joining forces with these knowledge partners:
The Applied Research Group for Sustainable Forestry is closely linked to the Forest and Nature Management programme at VHL. Professors are directly involved in research projects, and students complete their final projects at the applied research group, intern with our field partners, or participate in project work. .
The Associate Research Group for Oil Palm and Tropical Forests works on the sustainable use of ecosystem services from tropical forest areas. The focus is on reducing deforestation and optimising goods and services from existing plantations and forest areas. We support local users in improving revenue models for forest products. This contributes to combating biodiversity loss and climate change.
Read more about the Associate Research Group for Oil Palm and Tropical Forests.
Want to know more about the Applied Research Group for Sustainable Forestry? Curious about collaboration opportunities? Or interested in an internship or final project? Call or email:
Dr. Ute Sass-Klaassen
Professor of Sustainable Forestry
E-mail: ute.sassklaassen@hvhl.nl
Phone: +31 6 23 02 00 00
Since its inception in 2023, the applied research group has been a coordinator and partner in the following projects, among others.
This project seeks to answer the question, "Where will we establish new forests, and how will we manage them in these rapidly changing times?" The project consists of two subprojects: Vital Forest and Versatile Forest.
Working with colleagues from Malaysia and Indonesia to improve the criteria and indicators of sustainable palm oil. As a result, buyers of palm oil will be able to determine with greater certainty whether palm oil has really been grown sustainably.
"In our new tree ring lab at the campus in Velp, we are tackling important ecological themes. For example, we research the drought resistance of European tree species, monitor the vitality of trees with sensors, and are committed to the sustainable production of wood."