The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) Congress, recently held in Stockholm, dedicated a full day to immersive excursions showcasing Sweden's innovative forestry management and bioenergy production systems. Participants, ranging from 50 to 100 global attendees, converged in Södertälje, an hour south of Stockholm, for a day of insightful exchanges.
Structured around four educational stops, the day commenced with live demonstrations of forest management and biomass collection techniques by Stora Enso and researchers from Skogforsk. These demonstrations highlighted Sweden's efficient use of residual biomass in heating and electricity sectors, crucial for sustainable energy practices.
At subsequent stops, participants engaged in live demonstrations of logging residue chipping and delved into forest fuel logistics. Experts from Stora Enso and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) elucidated on fuel assortment, production, storage, and quality control, emphasizing Sweden's comprehensive approach to bioenergy systems.
The excursion's third stop focused on Sweden's energy policies, spotlighting initiatives like bioenergy with carbon capture by Stockholm Exergi. Stockholm Exergi, as Stockholm’s primary energy provider, ensures resource-efficient solutions to provide electricity, heating, cooling, and waste services to over 800,000 Stockholmers. Their 3,000-kilometre-long district heating network forms the backbone of societal benefits in collaboration with customers and partners. Owned by the City of Stockholm and Ankhiale, Stockholm Exergi's 700 employees are dedicated to reducing Stockholm's climate impact through innovative carbon dioxide capture technologies, striving towards zero emissions.
The fourth and final stop immersed participants in Sweden's natural landscapes, offering insights into forest management, raw material supply, and ecological considerations. Academics from SLU and Stora Enso highlighted Sweden's regulatory frameworks that protect biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, serving as scalable models for global forest management practices.
Throughout the day, the diverse cohort of participants fostered extensive networking and sparked insightful discussions on adapting Swedish best practices globally. Key takeaways included Sweden's regulatory frameworks protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, inspiring early-career researchers to innovate in global forestry challenges.
The IUFRO Congress, a prestigious biennial event since 1893, serves as a global platform for scientists and leaders to collaborate towards sustainable forestry solutions. In 2024, held in Stockholm, it gathered leading experts to discuss advancements in forestry, climate resilience, and sustainable development, aligned with the UN's 2030 Agenda.
The 26th IUFRO World Congress has concluded, marking its largest gathering yet, with 4,300 delegates, over 3,500 presentations, and more than 70 showcased innovations. Despite its conclusion, the commitment to advancing a sustainable future for forests persists. Access to presentations, posters, livestreams, and interviews will remain available until the 27th IUFRO World Congress convenes in Kenya in 2029.
More information: https://iufro2024.com/
Youtube credits: https://www.youtube.com/@IUFRO