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Experts from FAO and partners have successfully pioneered new methods for estimating wood fuel removals and wood charcoal production. Source: Timberbiz While estimates of wood fuel removals and charcoal production are essential for tracking global goals including the Sustainable Development Goals, many countries still have difficulty producing reliable data due to the complexities of measuring informal markets and direct household collection of wood fuels. However, the new machine-learning approach enhances the estimation process by building on officially submitted statistics and also information from government websites, household consumption surveys conducted by international organizations, and published research. Results of the new methods published in Nature Communications suggest an additional 30 percent of wood fuel removals than indicated by previous estimates last made in 2005. These estimates – which include not only stems of harvested trees but also branches harvested and dead wood collected would mean that wood fuel removals account for more than half of the wood removed from forests and trees outside of forests globally. The research also presents new values for wood charcoal production, estimated at 50 percent higher than previously understood. “Such revisions are part of FAO’s process of constant improvement and innovation in statistical methods,” said FAO Forestry Officer Ashley Steel, one of the paper’s authors. “Wood fuel is a critical element of food security through its use for cooking and water sterilization by many of the most vulnerable, and a clear understanding of how much is produced is vital for addressing issues related to human health, food security, energy availability and sustainable development.” For 2019, the report estimates there were 2525.7 million m3 of wood fuel removals globally. These removals were estimated to be 50% higher in Africa and 40% higher in Asia than previously thought, as well as 10% lower in the Americas and 20% lower in Europe. Global production of wood charcoal was estimated at 70.5 million tonnes, with estimates 20% higher in Africa and 200% higher in Asia. The study could not determine reasons why new estimates are different from those of previous models, but reasons may include differences in actual versus forecast human population growth or urbanization rates, better incorporation of informal and undocumented production by using a consumption-based approach, changes in average household size, and the transition away from wood fuel toward charcoal and eventually towards clean energy. With this new methodology, FAO is now better positioned to support countries in submitting data on wood fuel removals or wood charcoal production. As this new approach provides more information and refined estimates, it can also be used to revise the data backward and create future estimates. “This approach is a big step forward, but estimates are in a constant state of revision, incorporating new statistical methods and new data every few years. The puzzle of understanding where the wood comes from, separating, for example, wood from forests and wood from trees outside of forests or wood from tree trunks versus wood from fallen branches, remains for the next iteration of modelling and estimation to tackle,” said Steel. The research on “Global wood fuel production estimates and implications” was conducted by experts from FAO, the University of Glasgow, the University of Göttingen, Sapienza University of Rome, EP Consulting, the Thünen Institute of Forestry, Tall Forester Trees, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the Stockholm Environment Institute, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and the United Nations Statistics Division.

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Reaching 27m high and sat between two skyscrapers, the SGD 5.5 million Sprint Canopy is Southeast Asia’s tallest single-span timber structure and sits on CapitaLand’s $1.4 billion Geneo science park cluster development in Singapore. Source: Timberbiz Photo credits: Ergodomus Containing 780 different components, and 80 tonnes of custom-designed S355 steel connectors, it uses 1,150 m3 of PEFC-certified spruce and spans a 3,000 m2 public plaza that connects five buildings – acting as a functional but striking architectural landmark. The 1,150 m3 of spruce glulam, was fabricated and supplied by Versowood Oy. The architectural design references the fan vaulted ceilings of gothic architecture and European cathedrals. The huge columns could not be split into two parts and the arches were too wide for a standard 40ft shipping container, so the elements (some 19 m long) were manufactured offsite and shipped over a six-week journey to Singapore flat-packed, and pre-assembled in a warehouse 20 km from the site before final installation. Italian timber engineering specialists Ergodomus conducted advanced ‘Finite Element Method’ analysis to ensure structural stability under various loads, saying: “The toweringly high columns and the overall area covered by the structure make it one of the most ambitious projects we’ve ever undertaken.” By collaborating closely with the builder, Ergodomus developed an ‘optimal assembly sequence’ to design temporary bracing systems and account for different loads. On top of the timber structure is a glass roof to protect the plaza below. Drainage was a core design challenge. To deal with the regular heavy rain in Singapore, the canopy incorporates complex triangular geometry to manage water flow. The timber canopy not only delivers on design and structural performance; it also significantly lowers embodied carbon emissions – by an estimated 88% compared to steel and 63% compared to concrete. The use of PEFC-certified timber ensures full traceability throughout the supply chain. Verified by DoubleHelix, the canopy stores an impressive 952 tonnes of CO₂e in biogenic carbon, while emissions from harvest to installation totalled just 67 tonnes CO₂e – a powerful statement in favour of low-carbon construction. The structure ‘blends form and function’ and has been engineered to meet strict technical requirements to create an elegant and flowing timber structure. The glulam canopy is also being seen as a ‘significant learning milestone’ for Singapore’s construction industry as it looks to specify more mass timber for public developments. Venturer Timberwork’s canopy at Geneo is a model of how mass timber structures can transparently measure, report, and optimise biogenic carbon flows, while embedding circularity – fully in sync with ISO 14064 and emerging green building frameworks.

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Promoting the use of sustainable wood as a renewable resource is essential for the realization of a sustainable society. Beyond its role as a building material, wood is increasingly recognized for its potential to enhance human health and quality of life. Source: Timberbiz This event titled Wood, health and sound  brings together professionals and experts from diverse fields including architects, medical doctors, and musicians, to explore both the potential and challenges of wood utilization. Topics include cross-sector collaboration and the integration of scientific knowledge. Together, we will envision how sustainable wood use can contribute to a more sustainable society and a more comfortable daily life. This symposium is being organized in close cooperation between the forest-rich countries Japan and Austria and will be held on 17 September. The event will be held in Tokyo, Japan with the venue to be determined. The Forestry Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Japan) & Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management (Austria) will be the hosts. It will be a hybrid event available in-person and live-streamed online in Japanese with
 simultaneous translation (English – Japanese)
. The event is free. More information at: https://www.bmluk.gv.at/en/coli/coli–japan2025.html

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In a hands-on collaboration that brings forestry education to life, Private Forests Tasmania partnered with the Forest Education Foundation to support the establishment of shelterbelts at Bothwell District High School’s Agricultural Learning Centre. Source: Timberbiz These shelterbelts were thoughtfully designed to address the site’s unique conditions, with layout and species selection tailored to moderate the strong northwestern winds that sweep across the flat Bothwell plain. “Once established, the trees will enhance growing conditions for the school’s hazelnut orchard and livestock paddocks, improving productivity while also providing environmental protection,” PFT Forestry Specialist Dion McKenzie said. But this project is about more than just trees. It’s about education and connection — giving students a real-world understanding of the value of trees on farms and the broader benefits that forests offer to rural communities. On Friday 25 July, students, teachers, and representatives from the Forest Education Foundation, Private Forests Tasmania, and Sustainable Timber Tasmania gathered to plant the trees together. The weather turned on ideal conditions, making the planting experience enjoyable for both students and seedlings alike. Sustainable Timber Tasmania generously supplied the seedlings, and the planting event has become a valuable addition to the school’s practical agricultural and environmental curriculum. “We look forward to watching the shelterbelts grow – providing not only protection for the farm but also a lasting learning resource for future students,” McKenzie said.

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A world-first tool is tracking Australia’s progress in sequencing the full genomes – or genetic blueprints – of the country’s 250,000-plus known and catalogued species. Source: Timberbiz Genome Tracker reveals that only 2% of Australia’s known and catalogued species have had their genome sequenced at least once. The online dashboard is part of the Australian Reference Genome Atlas (ARGA), a platform delivered through the Atlas of Living Australia, Bioplatforms Australia, Australian BioCommons and the Australian Research Data Commons. CSIRO’s Dr Kathryn Hall, ARGA project lead, said Genome Tracker is a step change in how genomic data coverage can be tracked, assessed and prioritised. “Whole genome sequencing for plants and animals provides insights for ecology, conservation biology, agriculture and biosecurity,” Dr Hall said. “It lets us peer back through evolutionary time to understand how species have adapted to the unique landscapes of Australia. “Genome Tracker clearly shows which parts of the family tree of life have strong representation and which are under-sequenced or entirely missing. “It helps researchers map existing genomic coverage and highlights under-represented areas for research.” The ultimate goal is to have genomes published for a wide cross-section of Australian biodiversity. “Genomes help us understand the adaptive traits of species – how they’ve uniquely adapted to their environment and how they’re evolving,” Dr Hall said. “The higher branches in the taxonomic tree of life represent older genomic divergence.” Genome Tracker tells us that these ancient branches currently have just 32 per cent genomic coverage. Improving their representation will deepen our understanding of how species have diversified and evolved over time. “These are exciting times for biology. Genomes give us roadmaps to trace how life came to be as it is today – and how we can work with that knowledge to protect it for generations to come,” Dr Hall said. “We can look at what drove changes in organisms, and this could help predict how species might adapt in the future. “As ecosystems change, this data spotlights populations for monitoring, conservation and protection.” Taxonomic descriptors, species occurrence records, and ecotype layering allow researchers to use ARGA to filter and search the indexed genomics data, and to track every species in Australia. Genome Tracker and ARGA use existing research infrastructure capabilities of the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA), Australia’s national biodiversity data infrastructure, which is hosted by CSIRO, the national science agency.

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New Zealand Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced targeted consultation with farmers and the wider agriculture sector to ensure health and safety regulations reflect the realities of farm life. Source: Timberbiz “I’m consulting with rural Kiwis in the agriculture sector on changes that will ensure health and safety requirements are workable and practical,” Ms van Velden said. “Farmers know their farms and the risks that come with farming life better than anyone. They’ve told me the law needs to recognise that the farm is often both their workplace and their home. That includes making space for children to safely learn and contribute to farm life in ways that are safe and age appropriate.” One proposed change is to amend the General Risk Regulations to make it clear that young people can safely take part in light chores on family farms. “We’ll be consulting with farmers and the agriculture sector on the thresholds for light chores children can do on farms, like collecting eggs, feeding small animals and watering plants, while ensuring safety is not compromised. I expect higher-risk activities such as being near heavy machinery like a hay baler will remain off-limits. As children grow older, they’ll be able to undertake more complex tasks with supervision and training, such as driving a tractor,” Mr van Velden said. These changes will give confidence to farming families that their children can continue to be involved with the family business. “I have also heard that farmers and forestry operators want industry-led codes of practice that reflect real-world conditions. I have asked WorkSafe to develop two Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) in consultation with the agriculture sector,” Mr van Velden said. “While compliance with ACOPs is currently voluntary, as part of my health and safety reform, I am making a change to the ACOP model to reassure people that if they comply with an ACOP, they have done enough to meet their health and safety duties.” WorkSafe will be developing an ACOP on roles and responsibilities in agriculture to help farmers navigate work activities. In particular, it will provide clearer guidance on overlapping duties and PCBU responsibilities in agriculture. “Farmers and other businesses coming on to the farm need to know what health and safety duties they are each responsible for and how they can best work together to manage the risks. For example, if a fencing contractor is working on a farm, both the contractor and the farmer will need to manage risks relating to their work, like moving vehicles or the use of agricultural sprays,” Mr van Velden said. Another ACOP that will be developed will focus on the safe use of farm vehicles and machinery, ensuring guidance reflects how modern farms operate. It will cover the safe use of quad bikes, tractors, light utility vehicles such as side-by-sides, and two-wheel motorbikes, as well as farm machinery. “Too many people are killed or seriously injured in quad-bike related incidents. However, I understand there are varying practices and views on what protections will best enhance safety and reduce harm,” Mr van Velden said. “It is important that the ACOP provides practical, workable advice on the safe use of quad bikes and light tractors in a variety of circumstances to help address the high rates of harm. “I expect WorkSafe to work closely with the agriculture sector when developing these ACOPs to ensure that any rules are sensible and workable. It is important that farmers who know their work best are able to help shape the rules that will help keep them safe. “These changes will save time and costs for businesses and workers as we cut red-tape to make it easier to do business. When our Kiwi businesses thrive, there are more jobs and lower prices for all New Zealanders.”

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