Annual Report 2005 - Forest ecosystems and social significance of forests

Communication is a common challenge shared by all operators in the field of forestry. Communications need to be more made more effective, active and customer-oriented, and diverse use must be made of different channels. The main target group for communications is forest owners, but informing decision makers is also important.

Respondents to a questionnaire directed to decision makers in western Finland considered forestry a highly valued business sphere. The study was made in connection with the West Finland Forestry Cooperation Network project, which ended in spring 2005. The respondents emphasized the importance of personal contacts between forest specialists and regional decision makers.

Almost 50 organizations from southern Ostrobothnia, Satakunta and Pirkanmaa participated in the development project. One aim of the project was to map the operators’ enthusiasm and needs for cooperation. The results indicated that in principal, willingness for cooperation exists, but it will be a challenge to make things work. Especially cooperation beyond the provincial limits should be developed.

Another challenge that came up during the project was the fact that forestry is increasingly involved with international factors. People involved with forestry should be increasingly active in international programmes like those of the EU.

A third challenge indicated by the questionnaire was the new possibilities provided by entrepreneurship. It is likely that responsibilities of timber harvesting, transportation and the execution of silvicultural measures will increasingly be delegated to small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Additional information: www.metla.fi/hanke/7140/index-en.htm

Back to the list of the reported finished projects in 2005

Updated:	18.09.2006 / SKon	Metla : Annual Report : Annual Report 2005

Forestry needs communications, internationality and entrepreneurship