"We are taking clearer steps towards the implementation of digital tools in forestry."

Forests are central to many people's lives and the question of how forests should be managed concerns many. That the discussion includes different perspectives is most welcome , as the decisions to be made are often complex and need to take different interests into account. The forestry that the programme wants to develop further, will lead to increased biodiversity in managed forests. At the same time, climate change will be counteracted by sequestering large amounts of carbon. In addition, wood-based products will be delivered from forestry to society, and people will have access to the forest both as a workplace and a place for recreation. Is it possible to increase financial, social and environmental values at the same time?  

We are convinced that it is possible with a detailed data base and well-designed digital tools that describe the future development of the forest, for example. With these kinds of tools, different forestry strategies can be compared and linked to climate models that describe temperature increases, and longer growth periods during the year. 

In 2023, Mistra Digital Forest launched the activities in phase 2, where more tangible steps are being taken towards implementing digital tools in forestry, and in addition with a clearer focus on social sustainability. The research projects are now underway in earnest, and in this annual report you can read about some of the major advances made during the year. We have welcomed Ingrid Pettersson as a new member of the programme board, Camilla Sandström as process manager for social sustainability and as a member of the management team, and Torsten Persson from Kopparfors as a new corporate partner in the consortium. We very much look forward to continued collaboration with both new and existing stakeholders. 

Sverker Danielsson 
Programme Manager