Wellbeing from forests (HYV) 2008–2012

This programme looks for means to utilise forests in diversified ways so that forests will serve the needs of the individual and our changing society in a comprehensive manner. The aim of this multidisciplinary research programme is, in particular, to incorporate touristic and recreational use of forests into other forms of utilisation by producing information on:

• Integration of different forest uses
• Economic values and benefits of forest recreation and tourism
• Demand and development trends of forest recreation and tourism
• Social and cultural values of forests
• Operational environment of nature entrepreneurship and the development of new products and services

The implementation of the research programme has been scheduled for 2008–2012. The programme started as a group of projects in 2007 and new projects will be launched in stages during the programme period. The programme will be conducted in cooperation with various sector research institutes, universities, development organisations and companies.