Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF)

SFIF believe that:

• A new approach to LULUCF is needed. Climate policy must focus on phasing out fossil fuel use.
• The LULUCF regulation should be adapted so it does not hinder the bioeconomy’s potential for substitution, long-term raw material supply, or the maintenance of carbon sinks over time.
• LULUCF targets should be realistic and indicative, as carbon sinks vary significantly from year to year and are influenced by external factors beyond our control. Moreover, there are major differences and changes in how carbon sinks are measured between countries.
• Increased forest growth is crucial for enhancing the climate benefits of forests.

For SFIF, green growth is the future. Through active forest management measures, both the carbon sink can be increased and the supply of raw materials for fossil-free products can be secured - enabling a sustainable climate transition. We believe that a combination of measures can contribute to strong forest growth, including:

• Nitrogen fertilisation of forests – can provide a relatively large and rapid increase in the carbon sink and can be implemented with good environmental consideration.
• Reduced browsing damage from wildlife – according to one estimate, the carbon sink could increase by 12 million tonnes per year in the long term if browsing damage were reduced to the levels set as national targets for wildlife management.
• Restoration of certain wetlands – can, over time, lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and, in many cases, also contribute to increased biodiversity.
• Afforestation of unused agricultural land and measures to reduce emissions from pastures, arable land, and developed areas.