Analysis of economic instruments implemented in the EU stimulating adaptation measures of forestry climate change policies.

Diana Carolina Huertas Bernal

Doctoral thesis

Abstract:

Economic instruments have established themselves as essential policy tools to internalize environmental costs and promote sustainability alongside regulations and other measures. However, some of these instruments have had adverse effects on the environment. This research focuses on identifying and analyzing the economic instruments available in the European Union forestry sector that align with climate change adaptation policies. Using mixed methods, a comprehensive understanding of the topic was obtained, ranging from identifying instruments in strategic documents regulating the EU forestry sector to analyzing case studies and the perceptions of forestry experts. The research included the use of multiple panel regressions to evaluate the relationships between the use of economic instruments and the consumption of industrial wood, as well as the analysis of the effects of changes in land cover, SWOT analysis, in-depth interviews, surveys, analysis of forest ecosystem services, and spending on environmental protection. It was found that, despite the wide range of instruments available, forestry sector actors lack in-depth knowledge of them, and forest management does not take full advantage of available resources. Furthermore, current policies and regulations do not appear to impact domestic wood consumption significantly, and the current level of environmental taxes does not substantially affect consumption decisions. However, exports exert a positive and significant influence on domestic wood consumption. Likewise, public perception of the role of forests in water supply is remarkably high, with more than half of respondents strongly agreeing that forests' water supply services are essential. The findings of this research highlight strengths and areas for improvement, providing a solid basis for policymakers to optimize the processes of use, implementation, dissemination, and access to financing mechanisms for sustainable forest management in the EU. These recommendations can help maximize environmental and economic benefits, promoting more effective and sustainable forest management.

Keywords

Market-based instruments, SWOT analysis, Foresters’ opinions, multiple panel regressions, landcover change, roundwood consumption, environmental expenditure accounts

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 28. 7. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Miroslav Hájek, Ph.D.
• Reader: Vladimír Krepl, doc. Ing., CSc., Vladimíra Nováková, Ing., externi, Jarmila Zimmermannová, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences

Doctoral programme:
Global Change Forestry