Forestry

Forests are vital for the wellbeing of local communities; they provide subsistence goods, cultural values, employment opportunities and they generate income. The importance of sustainable forestry goes beyond local rural livelihoods; conservation of biodiversity, sustained provision of fresh water or sequestration of carbon are examples of environmental services where the benefits reach far outside the physical location of forests. Activities along the forestry value chain can boost economic development on local, regional and even nation level as well as maintain healthy eco-systems.

Deforestation and forest degradation present a serious threat to these benefits and functions. The reasons for the destruction of forests are often complex and need to be addressed in a holistic manner. We approach these challenges by utilising our broad experience of human resources development and institutional capacity building which is based on our advanced knowledge of technological solutions, business development as well as operating environment in our partner countries. We are committed to ensuring strong and socially inclusive strategies that benefit a wide range of stakeholders.

NIRAS recognises the close links between forestry and other sectors such as agriculture, energy, water and tourism in rural development. We utilise our extensive experience in these fields to identify potential for integrated and sustainable management of all natural resources.

We offer our services in the following areas:

• Forest governance 
• Sustainable forest management
• Forest-based enterprise development and the private sector
• Forests in climate change