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The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) joined global leaders at the Global Landscape Forum’s Forests 2025, held in Bonn, Germany, from 24 to 25 April 2025. Ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP30, this event brought together a global community to explore the role of sustainable land management and forests as key solutions to climate change. Source: Timberbiz Forests serve as carbon sinks, biodiversity hotspots, and sources of livelihood and food for millions of people around the world. Yet they are facing increasing challenges. The conference explored the path forward to shape the future of forests, including key themes of policy, climate finance, rights, just transition, and technology. FSC Director General Subhra Bhattacharjee participated in three key discussions during the event, highlighting the urgent need to involve all forest stakeholders to address the main challenges, enhance local leadership, and use technology resources to shape the future. Defining the next decade of actions In the closing plenary on the first day, Subhra Bhattacharjee joined policymakers, experts, Indigenous leaders, and practitioners to discuss actions to overcome major challenges facing forests and foster a resilient future. The plenary highlighted the urgent need to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation by 2030. As the Director General noted, three core elements that define FSC’s consensus-building through dialogue, voluntary compliance, and inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement, are now more critical than ever in today’s increasingly polarised world. The climate crisis requires collaboration among governments, the private sector, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, and individual citizens. “FSC creates that platform,” she said, highlighting FSC’s unique role in bringing together multi-sector actors for dialogue. Ms Bhattacharjee finished with a strong message, amplifying the words of the panel’s two Indigenous speakers: “The voices of those who have skin in the game including those of local communities and Indigenous Peoples, must define the global agenda.” Building inclusive AI for forest policies On the second day, stakeholders gathered in person to continue the exchange. A roundtable discussion on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in forest decision-making provided the opportunity to explore how to use these tools for equitable and just forest policies. For FSC, integrating artificial intelligence into global forest governance frameworks presents a powerful opportunity to enhance transparency and accelerate responses to deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss. FSC’s Director General highlighted the potential of AI as a force multiplier to both deepen inequality or empower communities: “AI should be an open-sourced tool, providing democratised and accessible output in the local language to support governments and communities in decision-making to focus their resources to protect their forests”. Supporting compliance with EU Regulations for a forest-based bioeconomy Regarding the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), FSC, as a voluntary certification system, helps stakeholders navigate and comply with these requirements. ”EUDR and FSC certification contribute to a common cause,” she said. “Both seek to fight deforestation and degradation in Europe and worldwide”. By streamlining the compliance process, FSC offers practical tools and guidance to companies, forest managers, forest owners, and communities to contribute to sustainable forest management. FSC certification can also help companies to meet EUDR requirements. “EUDR presents a unique opportunity to drive large-scale capacity building, incentivisation, and support—creating the conditions needed to earn smallholder trust and provide meaningful incentives to keep forests standing,” she added.

Understanding the value of an acre of timber is essential for anyone in the forest products supply chain, whether managing timberland, planning harvests, or securing raw materials. A complex interplay of market dynamics, harvest strategies, and emerging environmental trends shapes timber valuation. Source: Resource Wise In this updated analysis, Resource Wise explored the forces driving timber worth, diving into fresh 2022-2024 stumpage price data for US South plantation and natural pine and highlight key trends to watch in 2025. Before we can determine the value of an acre of timber, we need to understand the law of supply and demand, which ultimately drives the price of timber. Demand is heavily influenced by location, surrounding mill types, proximity to those mills, and the volume and type of timber products consumed in a given area. Therefore, the volume and type of products available on a tract of timber will determine the value per acre. Location and Proximity to Mills: Timber near sawmills or pulp mills fetches higher prices due to lower transportation costs. In the US South, sawtimber for lumber often commands a premium over pulpwood. Timber Type and Age: Managed pine plantations, typically clearcut at 25-35 years, yield 80-105 tons per acre, with sawtimber (12″+ DBH) driving the highest returns. Natural stands with mixed hardwoods can be even more valuable when high-grade logs are present. Harvest Method: Clearcuts maximize volume and revenue per acre, while thinnings provide earlier cash flow with lower yields. The choice depends on market timing and management goals. Market Trends: Demand for timber products like lumber, pulp, and bioenergy materials fluctuates with construction cycles, paper production, and sustainability initiatives. These factors create a wide range of per-acre values, making understanding historical trends and current market conditions essential. Using transaction-based data from 2022–2024, Resource Wise updated its analysis of stumpage prices for US South plantation and natural pine, focusing on clearcut and thinning harvests. Mature plantation stands, averaging 80-105 tons/acre, saw a dip in 2023 due to a temporary oversupply of sawtimber, followed by a recovery in 2024 as lumber demand strengthened. Thinnings, yielding 30-50 tons/acre of mostly pulpwood and chip-n-saw, showed lower values for younger stands (16-20 years) due to smaller log sizes. The 21-25-year stands fetched higher prices with more chip-n-saw and small sawtimber, though prices fluctuated with pulp market demand. Natural stands, often denser with 90–110 tons/acre and mixed with hardwoods, saw a gradual decline over the period. This reflects softening hardwood sawtimber prices and reduced pulpwood demand. Thinnings in natural stands, yielding 40-60 tons/acre, showed a steady price increase, driven by consistent pulpwood demand and higher removal volumes compared with plantations. Compared with 2017-2019, when plantation clearcuts averaged US$1,542-$1,694/acre and natural clearcuts peaked at US$2,055/acre, the 2022-2024 data show plantation values trending higher due to inflation and sawtimber demand, while natural clearcut values have softened slightly due to market saturation. Beyond traditional market forces, timber’s value is increasingly influenced by global decarbonization efforts, which are reshaping demand and creating new opportunities for landowners. The carbon dioxide removal (CDR) market, projected to grow US$100 billion annually between 2030 and 2035, is opening new revenue streams. Timberlands can generate income through carbon sequestration or by supplying biomass for Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS). For example, companies like Drax are planning wood-fired power plants in the US South, using biomass to produce renewable energy while capturing carbon emissions. Sustainability policies are also playing a role. The EU’s target is to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030, and US investments in carbon capture (US$2.54 billion through 2025) are boosting demand for wood as a renewable alternative to fossil-based materials. This trend could support sawtimber prices, particularly in regions with strong sustainability mandates. However, innovations like biochar, which uses wood waste to lock carbon in soil, might divert low-grade timber from pulp markets, potentially softening pulpwood prices unless offset by carbon credit revenues. Additionally, policy uncertainty in biofuels, such as the expiration of US biodiesel tax credits, can impact biomass demand, adding another layer of complexity to timber markets. These decarbonization trends highlight timber’s evolving role, not just as a raw material but as a key player in climate mitigation. An acre’s value depends on your specific stand and market conditions. Based on 2022–2024 averages: A 100-acre plantation in the US South at 26+ years might yield US$211,100–US$227,500 from a clearcut. The same plantation, thinned at 21–25 years, could bring US$53,800–US$90,400. A 100-acre natural stand might be valued at US$196,000–US$216,800, with thinnings at US$66,400–US$75,700. These are starting points; site-specific factors like soil quality, accessibility, and mill proximity can significantly adjust these figures. The valuation of timberland is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including market dynamics, timber characteristics, and emerging environmental trends. Recent data from 2022 to 2024 indicate that while plantation pine clearcuts have seen a recovery in value due to increased lumber demand, natural pine stands have experienced a gradual decline. The expanding carbon dioxide removal (CDR) market offers new revenue streams through carbon sequestration initiatives. However, it also introduces complexities for traditional timber markets, highlighting the need for balanced strategies that support both carbon sequestration and traditional timber production. Staying informed about these evolving trends and integrating sustainable practices will be essential for maximizing the value of timber assets and contributing to broader climate mitigation efforts.

A centre of excellence for mass timber research, innovation and manufacturing has been launched by Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) in Scotland. Source: Timberbiz Supported by Scottish Funding Council and host institution Edinburgh Napier University, the Innovation Campus at BE-ST will now house £1.5 million pounds of newly acquired, state-of-the-art mass timber post-processing equipment and SuperBlower extraction system. This will complement existing capabilities and further enhance precision finishing, production capacity, and health and safety processes. The Mass Timber Centre of Excellence will provide the UK construction and built environment sector with the facilities, knowledge, and connections to accelerate the adoption of UK-grown mass timber solutions and access the benefits these can bring, such as lowering carbon emissions associated with construction, strengthening local supply chains, creating jobs, and improving the efficiency of the delivery of the built environment. The Mass Timber Centre of Excellence offers access to advanced mass timber manufacturing equipment, including a CNC machine and offering full-scale production of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), Nail Laminated Timber (NLT), and Glue Laminated Timber (Glulam). The factory is anticipated to have an annual manufacturing output capacity of approximately 8,000m³ once fully operational. The UK faces the dual challenge of a climate emergency and a housing emergency. By advancing the use of mass timber, the Centre has been established to position the construction industry as a key part of the solutions to both challenges. Mass timber is a category of engineered wood products made by compressing layers of timber to form large structural elements. Currently, the UK imports 73,000m3 of mass timber per year. By creating higher-value timber products in the UK, such as mass timber, and leveraging local supply chains, we can unlock significant economic and environmental benefits in the UK. The centre provides support to accelerate UK-grown mass timber adoption across the UK. As well as offering access to mass timber manufacturing equipment, the centre offers research, innovation, and systems design support through partnerships with industry and academic experts to develop timber solutions; consultancy services to assist with product approvals, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing processes; and timber processing through trusted partners for felling, grading, kilning, and planing. Hands-on training and skills development can also be provided via the Centre to upskill the workforce in the expertise required to deliver mass timber products. “The Mass Timber Centre of Excellence opens up huge opportunities for the construction sector. By investing in mass timber, we are not just advancing low carbon approaches to construction, we are also investing in economic growth, creating jobs, and addressing some of the UK’s key challenges,” Sam Hart, Associate Director of Manufacturing and Housing at BE-ST, said. Stephen Good, CEO of BE-ST added that the launch of the centre will support the wider adoption of mass timber, helping to reduce carbon emissions, strengthen supply chains, and deliver much-needed domestic, non-domestic, public, and private infrastructure where appropriate, in a more efficient, affordable, higher quality and sustainable way.  

Bushfires pose a significant threat to Australia and New Zealand’s environment, economy, and communities, with traditional detection methods often failing to provide timely warnings. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered bushfire detection systems are emerging as a vital tool to enhance early intervention, protect forests, and safeguard lives and infrastructure in response to this challenge. Source: Timberbiz These smart systems use advanced technology to identify fires at their initial smouldering stage, giving emergency services and communities crucial minutes that can significantly change the outcome of bushfire events, according to Dryad Networks. “AI-powered bushfire detection systems with ultra-early detection capabilities give emergency responders a decisive headstart in the event of a bushfire,” Sohan Domingo, VP of Sales, Technology, and Operations, Dryad Networks, said. “This lets them mobilise more rapidly and strategically to the precise location of the burn. This means that response teams can contain outbreaks at their nascent stage, preventing them from escalating into uncontrollable blazes that devastate large areas of wilderness and inhabited regions and directly contributes to the safety and preservation of Australia and New Zealand’s diverse ecosystems and communities.” AI-powered systems begin monitoring long before fires are visibly established, unlike conventional detection methods that rely on visible flames or satellite imagery. The core of this capability is distributed networks of solar-powered sensors placed across bushland, which detect the chemical signatures of fire during its earliest smouldering stage. This raises the alert well in advance of visible flames, giving emergency services more time to act. Smart sensor networks help land managers cover vast areas that would otherwise go unwatched by monitoring even remote and rugged landscapes continuously so that no region remains unprotected. This is crucial in areas where accessibility and visibility are limited. The result is faster, more localised intervention that can stop bushfires before they spread out of control. Smart sensor networks are strengthened by complementing autonomous drones equipped with advanced AI, which can respond rapidly to detected threats and further enhance the effectiveness of emergency operations. Drones arrive at the precise location of the fire swiftly once alerted, giving responders an accurate, real-time view of the situation. This immediate insight lets firefighting teams act decisively, preventing fires from spreading and causing widespread devastation. Future drone advancements will actively suppress fires through innovative methods such as foam dispersal or acoustic technology. This will further decrease the reliance on human crews in high-risk situations, improving the safety and effectiveness of bushfire management. “The environmental implications of adopting AI-powered bushfire detection systems are significant,” Mr Domingo said. “Early bushfire containment protects people and communities, preserves biodiversity and ecosystems, and curtails carbon emissions associated with widespread bushfires significantly. “Reducing emissions through effective fire management becomes increasingly critical as climate change continues to exacerbate fire conditions across Australia and New Zealand. AI-driven systems can play an instrumental role in both countries’ broader climate mitigation and adaptation strategies by preventing extensive environmental destruction.” These detection and response technologies also integrate seamlessly with existing emergency management frameworks. Data from AI sensors and drone surveillance systems feed directly into emergency response platforms and fire analytics tools, creating a cohesive operational picture for firefighting authorities. This seamless integration supports efficient coordination among multiple response units, including ground crews and aerial firefighting teams, enhancing the effectiveness of fire suppression efforts. The Australian and New Zealand Federal Governments have both recognised the need for greater disaster preparedness. The Australian Federal Government committed $28.8 million to disaster preparedness in the 2025-2026 Federal Budget, including $17.7 million for the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Program. (1) In New Zealand, the government has committed NZ$70 million over seven years (2024–2031) to the Natural Hazards and Resilience Platform, an initiative designed to strengthen national resilience to natural disasters by supporting science across the four Rs: reduction, readiness, response, and recovery. (2) AI-powered bushfire detection technologies align closely with Australia and New Zealand’s commitment to proactive disaster resilience. Reducing reaction times and improving accuracy in identifying and locating fire threats gives communities a vital protective barrier against increasingly frequent and severe bushfire events. Businesses and critical infrastructure operators also benefit directly from improved asset protection, minimising the disruption and financial impact associated with large-scale bushfires. AI detection systems can be customised to accommodate specific regional conditions and management strategies, incorporating local expertise into broader technological solutions. Collaborating with local communities and Indigenous groups, especially those with traditional knowledge of land management and fire practices, can make the rollout of detection technologies more adaptive and effective in practice. “The integration of AI technology into bushfire detection and suppression systems represents a critical advancement toward a more resilient Australasia. Authorities and communities can reduce the destructive impacts of bushfires significantly by embracing these innovations to better protect lives, ecosystems, and economic assets,” Mr Domingo said. “Continued investment and development in these AI-driven solutions will remain essential in shaping a safer, more sustainable future for the forests and communities of Australia and New Zealand as climate challenges intensify.” References: (1): https://budget.gov.au/ (2): https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/funding-information-and-opportunities/investment-funds/strategic-science-investment-fund/ssif-funded-programmes/natural-hazards-and-resilience-platform

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the newest tool in the arsenal to prevent the degradation and depletion of forests, with new research revealing how the technology can help protect the ecosystem. Source: Timberbiz Charles Darwin University (CDU) researchers collaborated on an international study, led by the University of Sri Lanka, to develop an AI model which detects changes in forest cover, or the amount of land surface covered by trees. According to the United Nations, between 2000 and 2022 there was a net forest area loss of 100 million hectares. Researchers took U-Net architecture, which is used for image segmentation often in biomedical image analysis and adapted it to compare past and present pictures of the ecosystem and detect where forest loss has occurred. This custom model was fed a dataset of images from Google Earth and was able to detect forest cover changes with an accuracy of 94.37%. Researchers also tested the model on other datasets, which had an accuracy rate of 97.82% and 98.44% respectively. Co-author and CDU Associate Professor in Information Technology Bharanidharan Shanmugam said the model was ideal for real-world applications because it produced high accuracy rates despite needing fewer training samples. “Traditional methods for forest cover monitoring often struggle with accuracy and efficiency. Many rely on manual interpretation, which is time-consuming and prone to errors,” Associate Professor Shanmugam said. “Our research provides a powerful tool for governments, environmental agencies and conservationists to detect and monitor deforestation more effectively. “By leveraging deep-learning techniques, our model enables rapid analysis of satellite images, allowing authorities to identify high-risk areas and respond to deforestation before irreversible damage occurs. “Unlike traditional approaches that require extensive manual effort, our method automates the process, making large-scale monitoring more feasible and cost effective.” The study was a collaboration between the University of Sri Lanka, CDU, Friedrich-Alexander University in Germany, University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, and the University of Otago in New Zealand. Co-author and CDU Lecturer in Information Technology Dr Thuseethan Selvarajah said another advantage was the model can function with limited labelled data. “This makes it highly adaptable for use in regions where high-quality training datasets may not be available,” Dr Selvarajah said. “Whether deployed in tropical rainforests, boreal forests, or temperate woodlands, the model can provide valuable insights for conservation efforts. “By integrating this technology into existing environmental monitoring frameworks, governments and conservation organisations can enhance their ability to protect forests, enforce regulations, and mitigate the long-term impacts of deforestation. “In the broader context, this research contributes to global efforts in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.” Change Detection for Forest Ecosystems Using Remote Sensing Images with Siamese Attention U-Net was published in the international journal Technologies.