FESIM-Project (Forest Economic Simulation Model)

Background and Objective

The FESIM model (formerly: Strugholtz-Englert simulation model) has already been successfully used by us in several research projects, e.g. to evaluate the effects of conservation-related action plans for forestry. From the model applications so far, a need for further development of the FESIM can be derived, such as the improvement of forest growth fundamentals and climate-sensitive modeling as well as the integration of additional elements of multifunctional forestry.

A conceptual and qualitative further development of the FESIM will be pursued, in the context of concrete research questions with scientific and societal relevance. Ultimately, our results should also find their way into policy consulting.

Target Group

Forest enterprises, politics, administration, associations, economy and science

Approach

The first step will be to identify current issues with scientific and societal relevance and determine their potential impact on forestry by means of literature research. If there is a need to further develop the FESIM to answer these questions, we will examine suitable models and calculation approaches in a next step and integrate them into the FESIM.

Data and Methods

The following model enhancements are intended by us according to the current status:

• Integration of a mortality module for the simulation of use-free forests or a suspending operation.
• Implementation of a deadwood module
• Improvement of forest growth fundamentals and climate-sensitive modeling (e.g. integration of new tree species, representation of changed growth dynamics and survival probabilities)
• Integration of additional elements of multifunctional forestry (e.g., various ecosystem services)

Our Research Questions

Specifically, the FESIM project will address the following research questions:

• What are the economic impacts of implementing the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 at the national level?
• What are the effects of changing silvicultural concepts to adapt to climate change on the yield situation of forestry?

What effects does a possible remuneration of further ecosystem services have on forest management and the revenue situation of forestry?