General information
The overall purpose of the SNS is to promote research into the diverse functions of the forests in sustainable forestry, as well as to advice the Nordic Council of Ministers on questions concerning forests and forestry research.
Through foresighted activities in research co-operation, communication of knowledge, etc., the SNS wishes to contribute to the socially, economically and ecologically responsible management and utilisation of forests and timber resources in the Nordic region. The areas of responsibility of the SNS encompasses forestry, forests and other wooded areas (wooded landscapes, parks, urban trees and marginal land), the utilisation of wood and other forest products, as well as the non-commercial value of the forests.
Specific goals
- to create Nordic synergy within forestry research by granting support to networks, research meetings, projects, joint utilisation of unique research facilities, etc.
- to promote the development of new research areas through initiating networks and task forces
- to promote research co-operation with the Adjacent areas (mainly the Baltic countries and Northwest Russia)
- to strengthen the role of Nordic forestry research in European collaboration and encourage Nordic forest researchers to take part in international projects
- to work to ensure that research results are communicated to the relevant parties within the Nordic cooperation framework
More information is given in the Strategic plan which can be ordered from the secretariat. For an overview over the current principles of forest management in the Nordic countries, please click here.
Organisation
The SNS executive committee has two members from each country, and one observer from the independent areas of Åland, Faroe Islands and Greenland. Members represent research institutes, research funding bodies, forest administration agencies and forest owners and industrial interests. Board meetings are held twice a year. The chairman is Forstfuldmægtig Pernille Karlog at Miljøministeriet, Skov- og Naturstyrelsen. The SNS secretariat rotates between countries, and is in Danmark for the period 2010-2013. The secretary is Special konsulent Katrine Hahn Kristensen.
SNS has an annual budget of roughly 700 000 €, most of which is allocated through research grants to projects and networking activities. A number of research network groups with different fields of speciality are connected to SNS. Each group organises conferences, workshops, post-graduate courses, etc., as well as initiates research projects.
SNS is continuously evaluated by the Officials Committee for Fishery, Agriculture, Food and Forestry (EK-FJLS, Forestry) under the Nordic Council of Ministers.
SNSs supports two Forest-related journals: Scandninavian Journal of Forest research and Wood Material Science and Engineering. Read more about them and see flyer for WMSE.