A new study reveals significant gaps in how investments are allocated in the governance of Norwegian forests. Several essential forest ecosystem services remain underfunded or neglected.
A Norwegian forest landscape in autumn colours. Photo credit: Odd Terje Sandlund/NINA
Economic instruments like subsidies and tax reliefs are widely used to promote forest ecosystem services. However, such instruments typically target services traded in markets, such as timber and hunting licenses. Non-market services like habitat provision and climate regulation are declining worldwide.
With Norway as a case, researchers have mapped economic instruments used in Norwegian forest governance and examined how they promote or constrain forests' capacity to provide different ecosystem services (see facts below).
Data was collected from a review of policy documents and fiscal budgets, compared with data on trends and condition of ecosystem services from Norwegian forests.
Forests play a vital role in supporting people and societies by delivering a wide range of ecosystem services—the benefits we receive from nature:
- Provisioning services are the tangible goods forests supply, such as timber, food, and clean water.
- Regulating services act as nature’s life-support systems, including carbon storage, water purification, soil formation and nutrient cycling.
- Supporting services are the fundamental processes that make life possible, such as habitat provision for species.
- Cultural services represent the non-material benefits of nature—recreation, a sense of place, and spiritual or cultural values that enrich human life.
Facts: IPBES’ Sustainability Pathways
In the IPBES Values Assessment (2022), four diverging sustainability pathways were presented. They illustrate different understandings of how societies can live well while safeguarding nature:
1. Green economy / Green growth
Focuses on continued economic growth, but with a shift toward renewable energy, green technology, and more sustainable industries.
2. Degrowth
Challenges the idea that endless growth is sustainable. Emphasizes reducing consumption and production, especially in wealthy countries, to stay within planetary boundaries
3. Nature protection
Prioritizes strict conservation of biodiversity and large areas of nature. Calls for expanding protected areas, reducing human impacts, and leaving more space for ecosystems to thrive.
4. Earth stewardship
Emphasizes repairing and strengthening the relationship between humans and nature. Focuses on local stewardship, traditional knowledge, and community rights.