Forest Industries Climate Change Adaptation Project: from Policy to Practice

In June 2009 the National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI) commenced a 3 year project to enhance the forest industry’s ability to reduce the harmful effects of, and exploit the opportunities from, a changing climate. Forecast changes in rainfall, temperature and weather patterns can produce a range of productivity and other impacts depending on industry sector and geographic region.

The project has received support from the Australian Government Farm Ready Industry Grants program: http://www.farmready.gov.au/

The short term goal (1-2 years) is to promote general industry awareness of the extent and range of likely climatic impacts and vulnerabilities specific to key forest regions, together with practical options for adaptation and mitigation given the current and emerging state of knowledge. The longer term goal (2-3 years) is to provide appropriate tools and mechanisms to promote greater uptake of adaptation options and strategies across the forest based industries.

Expected outcomes:

• Better coordination and awareness across the forest industry with respect to adaptation and mitigation issues and responses
• Early implementation of awareness and training tools
• More resilient forestry and regional based economies and communities

The project is managed by a Steering Committee comprising representatives from NAFI, CSIRO, University of Melbourne, Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) and forest industry companies.

An initial assessment of forest industry climate risks and adaptation strategies has been undertaken by CSIRO and can be downloaded here:

Adaptation to Climate Change in Australia's Plantation Industry

Other useful links include:

http://www.csiro.au/org/ClimateAdaptationFlagship.html

http://www.nccarf.edu.au/node/149

http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/forestry/plantations-and-climate-change

This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under its Australia’s Farming Future initiative.