Holzzukunft oder Holzweg?

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The project is part of the Bavarian research association "Fit for Change" (ForChange) and will run for four years. Based on the concept of resilience, the interdisciplinary network is investigating current change processes and their systemic interactions. Against the backdrop of changing socio-economic and ecological challenges such as climate change, both the forest and the material wood have a special role to play. The project "Holzzukunft oder Holzweg?" is dedicated to the question of whether and under what conditions a sustainable use of wood can contribute to resilience and social change towards a climate-friendly society. This is primarily based on a wood cascade use as recommended by the German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU). The focus of interest is on the opportunities, obstacles and trade-offs within society, politics, the economy and technology associated with a change in the use of wood. From a broad geographical perspective, the understanding, expectations and aspirations with regard to sustainable wood use, relevant actors, their interests and interdependencies, the influence of political, social and economic framework conditions and the resulting interactions are analyzed. The Free State of Bavaria serves as the area of investigation. In addition to quantitative insights into the timber market and trade, qualitative statements on the compatibility and inconsistency of discourses, structures, interests and practices in relation to forests and timber are provided. As a result, the potential of multiple wood use, primarily in the form of sustainable cascading use, and the associated political legitimacy and social acceptance will be assessed. In addition, those values and attitudes as well as structures and practices will be identified which, on the one hand, are caused by change and, on the other, can contribute to society's ability to adapt to a changing world, so that recommendations for action can be formulated for social actors.