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 area of Åland. 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 professor Kari Mielikäinen, Finnish Forest Research Institute. The SNS secretariat rotates between countries, and was based in Norway for the period 2002-2005 and is in Finland for the period 2006-2009. The Secretary General is Dr Pauline Stenberg.

SNS has an annual budget of roughly 6.5 million NOK, 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 Agriculture and Forestry ("NEJS") under the Nordic Council of Ministers.