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| 10 jun 2011 |
15:08 |
Libramont 2011: "Productive forest, constructive forest"
The relationship between man and nature is a highly topical issue. Resource management, climate change, air quality, the living environment � all these are subjects that provide food for thought when reflecting on the future of mankind.
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In a decidedly globalised context, between the United States, where the emphasis is on high productivity, Asia, where development is chaotic, and Africa, which is seeking its way, Europe has devised a management model for natural resources in its own image: a good dose of economic rationalism against a background of fascination with the natural environment and the mark made upon it by mankind.
Yes, it is possible to both create economic wealth and strengthen natural riches.
Article 1 of the Forestry Code asserts the multifunctional nature of the forest, where everyone must be able to find their place. The forest must play an economic, ecological, social and cynegetic role.
However, arbitration processes are and will be necessary to achieve a balance in relations between the various beliefs and feelings. Henceforth, a forestry plan will involve compromise. Particularly since more and more people are taking an interest in the forest. The size and capacities of the forest will no doubt prove insufficient to fulfil all expectations.
FACT
Approximately 3.8 million cubic metres of wood are taken from the Walloon forest every year (European production amounts to 454 million cubic metres). Now, Walloon businesses have a processing capacity of 6 million cubic metres. Clearly, the supply is insufficient! And yet Wallonia exports wood, and has to import it, as well. What is the environmental cost of the transport involved? Moreover, the panel manufacturing sector, the paper manufacturing sector and the energy wood sector compete fiercely for the by‐products of the forest to the extent that some timber is used for less worthy purposes. It is helpful to take a look at which sectors best enhance the value of wood, both economically and socially.
Scientists, too, are discussing the forest and its future. Techniques are currently being developed to assess the evolution of forest resources. What will be the situation of the Walloon forest over the next ten, twenty or thirty years? How can we deal with developments in the climate? Periods of drought will no doubt last longer. How can we anticipate that, in terms of zones and species? How can we assure a balance between forest and fauna? How can we manage the surplus game and the damage this causes to the forests? Tools are being developed to measure the pressure exerted by game on the forest sector.
This year, the theme at Libramont Fair is the forest. The Forestry Commission has chosen to present the extraordinary possibilities offered by a relationship between man and nature characterised by common sense. The wood sector is not only rich in economic potential. It is also of great symbolic importance, having a warm, healthy image.
THE AREA COVERED BY FOREST REMAINS CONSTANT
The hand of man is a positive force for the development of the forest. It is important to curb the spread of the belief in widespread deforestation. In Wallonia, the surface area covered by forest is managed along sustainable lines. This is the fruit of the work of generations, based on both passion and reason ‐ generations who opted to manage the forest. To remove with one hand and plant with the other.
FACT
The Walloon forest covers 554,000 hectares, while in Europe as a whole this figure stands at around 177 million hectares. Of the trees in Wallonia, 53.4% are broad‐leaved and 46.6% are coniferous. Managing a forest sustainably means removing a volume similar to the level of growth. In the Walloon Region, the broad‐leaved trees removed account for 95% of growth; the coniferous trees felled represent 109% of growth. In fact, the coniferous trees in the region are ‘too old’. It is important to promote the development of younger trees. A second reason for this is that there is now a political will to slow the rate at which conifers are planted in order to promote biodiversity in the forest rather than single‐species silvicluture.
WOOD IS GOOD FOR THE ECONOMY
In this favourable context, how can we make the most of new openings and seize new opportunities?
The construction of wooden houses (and as will be seen, there are wide range of possibilities) is a fine illustration of the intelligent use of wood. Beset by the craziest of received ideas, just a few years ago this sector was still confined to the world of garden shelters... Today, many houses are being built of wood, with creative results. A fully fledged economic sector is developing right beneath our eyes.
Wooden‐frame houses are contemporary, stylish; they are finding their place in the centre of towns and cities, both in renovation work and for multi‐storey buildings. Incidentally, they are opening up a whole new approach to low‐cost housing.
FACT
Taking into account applications for planning permissions, it is estimated that wooden‐frame houses account for 15% of new buildings.
In the same vein, the development of passive or low‐energy houses creates a comfortable, soothing living environment that has a positive effect on human health while at the same time permitting a different approach to the use of energy. And finally, the forest is coming to the aid of man, just in time.
The list of possible uses is long: contemporary furniture, urban furniture, etc. All it takes is to ask the right questions about the high added value sectors.
MAINTAINING THE FOREST IS GOOD FOR EMPLOYMENT
One vital question is that of how the forest should be maintained. What means should be used? What equipment? But also: what activities are developing upstream and downstream of the forest? What trades and what types of training are involved? Because at the same time as creating economic wealth, the forest also produces social wealth. It provides a very wide range of jobs and career prospects.
FACT
The wood sector, from logging to secondary processing, accounts for 11,815 employees in 1,950 businesses.
Approximately 1,600 self‐employed people work in the forests.
THE FOREST IS GOOD FOR MANKIND
The forest has a great deal to offer society. A place of tourism and hiking, well‐being and relaxation, it seems ‘natural’ that it should meet a host of expectations, particularly in the field of leisure activities:
walking, gathering and picking, flowers, berries, etc. The ideal place for fans of biodiversity and farreaching ecology... How can we organise matters so that there is room for everyone and everything, including hunting, both a management tool and a source of revenue.
WHAT ROLE DOES THE FOREST PLAY FOR ENERGY?
A 2009 European directive (28/EC) deals with promoting the use of energy from renewable sources. It sets targets for 2020: a 20% reduction in energy consumption, a 20% contribution from renewable energies (10% in the transport sector), and a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Each country was to draw up a plan of action presenting the current situation, the targets and the means of achieving them. The deadline for the submission of these plans was 30 June 2010. So far, Belgium does not have a plan of action approved by the government!
A few years ago, energy wood appeared to be the ideal solution for developing these new forms of energy. Energy wood offered a means of making the most of materials which, until then, had not been used to their full potential. The waste from logging, known as felling refuse, could finally serve a useful purpose. Before that, either it was left to rot, or it was ground up, which cost money. Energy wood resolved a problem.
In fact, energy wood producers financed the work involved in gathering up the felling refuse and forest owners were left with land ready for use at no cost.
However, the market is evolving. Panel manufacturers are experiencing a new economic situation.
Europe currently over‐produces panels by around 20%. Production plants are closing. Production companies are no longer investing in Europe. They see new opportunities in energy, are able to benefit from green certificates and are installing cogeneration units (producing electricity and heat), which require precisely the products initially used by energy wood... This is creating competition and pushing prices up.
What is more, the market has its rules. Pellets produced in Canada and taken to Antwerp are valued at more attractive prices than those produced in Belgium. This is simply because the forests are not
managed with the same level of requirements. For pellets, the price of the raw materials accounts for 80% of the total price.
Moreover, it is also striking to see European companies (Electrabel, Essent) investing in production plants in Canada or the United States.
Globalisation also has a role to play. A month‐long strike by dockers in Copenhagen impeded the arrival of wood from Scandinavia; this in turn pushed prices up here in Belgium. Or again, a tornado in Florida led to a doubling of production in the sawmills of Finland. This increase in volume went entirely for export.
Finally, the environmental cost of transport is also a crucial issue. What is the point of Belgian sawmills buying wood in France while these same French businesses come to the Belgian market for supplies?
The Walloon forest cannot meet the current needs of companies: 6 million cubic metres per year, while only 3.8 million cubic metres are currently taken from the forest. In this context, the question of the use of wood is crucial. And how is wood used in the field of energy?
It is also important to display creativity. New deposits may exist, such as the wood the results from roadside maintenance.
While the energy wood approach may be relevant for small units or for private individuals, the issue of large‐scale units using ‘noble wood’ with the assistance of green certificates needs to be raised.
Energy wood uses a resource whose potential has until now not always been fully realised, as well as wood that manufacturers fight over. Should wood be burnt, and if so, which wood?
It is important to put wood to the best possible use from an economic, social and environmental point of view. The idea of energy wood is, initially, to make the most of the products of the forest which have not until now been put to good use. However, demand on the market is currently such that even those elements referred to as by‐products of the forest have a market value.
What will people’s attitude be as regards their energy consumption and are they ready to pay to benefit from energy from renewable sources?
THE FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
While there are still many questions about the actual scope of the phenomenon, climate change also raises issues for the forest. The expected changes in terms of rainfall, for instance, involve thinking about how resilient the forest is, i.e. what is its capacity to adapt – in particular to new climatic conditions. The development of the climate will probably result in the Ardennes having a climate similar to that of Walloon Brabant today. Spruce, oak and beech currently cover three‐quarters of the Walloon forest. We now need to diversify the species, but also the genetic provenance. The seed bank clearly has strategic and essential role to play. It is important to increase awareness of these new issues among forest owners.
CREATING VALUE ... EXPERIENCING VALUES
Libramont Fair has always advocated trade and the related values: respect, the ability to listen, freedom, creativity. It invites those involved to express the meaning of their professional and personal choices. The spotlight of current affairs is trained upon those who experience the day‐to‐day life of the forest and of wood.
This process of reflection should also be placed in a temporal context. What is the overall plan for the future of the forest? What vision should be developed? How should we evaluate the services provided?
While, in economic terms, it is possible to form an idea, there are still all the other contributions made by the forest which are qualitative rather than quantitative....
AND IN PRACTICAL TERMS AT WALEXPO
The various institutions (public authorities and associations) will provide information about the actions undertaken to make use of and regenerate the forest while respecting its diversity. Particular attention will be paid to training.
Companies that invent and innovate in the wood sector will present the outlook for these new niches to the general public. The construction sector will hold a central position, presenting passive houses and outstanding creations in this sector. Space will be made for architects who invest in this area.
Various activities will be organised to enable the public to find out about the various players through game and meetings.
FORESTRY DEMONSTRATIONS
The European rendezvous for forestry equipment. A unique exhibition on site of forest machinery, demonstrations on the ground and the place for all those involved in the forest to show how they work in the field.
Particular attention will be paid this year to Christmas trees, the flagship of Walloon horticulture. The various products available at the market, together with the related the services and equipment, will be presented to the general public.
An international logging and hauling competition will bring together the top specialists whose performances promise to be extraordinary.
The management of water courses and fishing will also be showcased.
ROUND TABLES WILL TACKLE CURRENT ISSUES
The issue of speculation on natural resources will be at the centre of a debate. What are the stakes?
The forest remains profitable, fortunately for the communes. Wood prices fluctuate and revenue (in constant euros) has a tendency to decline. At the same time, if we compare this with all the possible investments, it continues to be a safe haven! And the risks of windfall can be limited by good management. Moreover, ownership of the forest provides an opportunity for diversification in investments and quite simply brings pleasure! One owner joked that his property brought in 8%: 2% financial and 6% pleasure. More fundamentally, the basic stakes are no doubt not linked to these ‘due diligence’ approaches; what attitudes should be adopted when it is a matter of money and natural resources?
Energy wood will be the topic of a meeting related to these stakes? What wood can be burnt? In what unit types? What role do green certificates play? What is the point of using wood for this purpose? And finally, is it useful and ecological to burn wood today?
An educational trail will present the forest to the general public through the trades exercised there.
Wood and the way in which it is used call for increasing specialisation. What are the prospects in terms of employment? What training leads to such employment? Which new crafts and trades are coming into being with the use of new materials or energy audits?
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