LV EN RU DE FR

Forest Economy and Policy

Course developer

Course abstract

The aim of course is acquainted students with the basic principles of forest economics and economic and political aspects of forest resource management planning, development trends of international markets. The course focuses on the role of the state and the support system in achieving the goals of forest policy, as well as the tendencies and directions of forest policy and economic development in Latvia, Europe and the world. Within the framework of practical work, the decision-making structure, the ability to analyse of information, evaluate the experience of other countries and the possibilities of its adaptation in Latvia are acquired.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After completing the course, students :
• knows of the values of forest resources and the markets of the forest sector production, trade and service sectors (practical work; homework; presentation; seminar);
• knows how to search, collect and analyze information on forest economy and policy issues, compare different solutions and decisions, as well as evaluate the suitability of foreign experience and adaptation possibilities for solutions in Latvia (practical work; homework; seminars; participation in discussions; presentation);
• understands and is able to substantiate an opinion and discuss various aspects of forest economy and politics, decision-making processes and conflict resolution options (practical work; participation in discussions; seminars; presentation).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Introduction to the course. Basic concepts of forest economy, peculiarities and factors influencing development (lect. - 3h).
2. Supply, demand and pricing of wood and non-wood forest products and services (lect. - 2h; pr.w. - 2h).
3. Forest sector and free market principles. Efficiency, market constraints and shortcomings (lect. - 4h).
4. Land allocation and multiple use (lect. - 2h; pr.w. - 1h).
5. Investments and time factor in the forest sector (lect. - 2h).
6. Decision making and risk factors in forest management (lect. - 2h).
7. Impact of taxes and fees on forest management (lect. - 2h).
8. Forest management planning - economic and political aspects; IT and digitization of industry (lecture - 2h; pr.w. - 1h).
9. Global market and international trade of forest products (lect. - 2h; pr.w. - 2h).
10. Types of forest ownership and their role in the implementation of state policy (lecture - 3h; pr.w. - 3h).
11. State support systems and their evaluation in achieving forest policy goals (lecture - 4h; pr.w. - 4h).
12. Public participation in formation of forest policy and the formation of the public opinion (lect. -3h; pr.w. -2h).
13. Solutions to conflicts and problems in the forest sector (lect. - 2h; pr.w. - 3h).
14. Trends of the development forest economy and policy - international projects, research, current events (lecture - 5h; pr.w. - 4h).
15. Current problems of the forest sector in Latvia - economic and political solutions (pr.w. - 4h).

Requirements for awarding credit points

The exam consists of a written part and an oral part on theoretical issues and topics acquired in practical work.
To take the final exam:
• attendance and active participation in lectures;
• participation in seminars;
• all practical tasks must be completed and credited;
• all independent works (home works) must be completed and credited;
• presentation on political and economical solutions of forest sector problems have been prepared and credited.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The independent work means elaborating and completing the started practical work in the auditorium, preparing the assigned homework, to get acquainted with a more detailed information and description of the issues covered in the lessons and to prepare presentations or materials for discussions and seminars (Basics of Forest Economy; Tools of Forest Policy to reach Economic Targets). Students prepare and defend a presentation on economic and political solutions of the problems of forest sector. All works must be designed and submitted within the specified deadlines, in accordance with the instructions given in lectures and practical classes.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The exam consists of a written and an oral part, auxiliary materials can be used only for practical tasks. Knowledge, skills and competence are assessed on a 10-point scale. A student can obtain a successful mark in an exam or test if at least 60% of the questions are answered correctly.
If during the semester all classes and seminars have been attended, all practical tasks and homework have been completed in time and the presentation has been defended - the final test may not be taken. The evaluation is based on the evaluation of the presentation (50%), practical work (20%), participation in seminars (20%) and other activities - active participation in lectures (participation in discussions, participation in group work, argumentation of one's opinion) (10%).
Delayed and non-credited practical work must be worked out in accordance with the procedures and at the time of admission specified by the lecturer no later than two weeks after the delayed lesson (if there are justifying documents for a long delay - within two weeks from the resumption of studies).
One opportunity for oral answer or rewriting of unsuccessful exam is given at the time indicated by the lecturer.

Compulsory reading

Economics of Forestry. R. A. Sedjo (Editor). Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, 2018. 477 p.
Ollikainen M., Amacher G.S., Koskela E. Economics of Forest Resources. Massachusetts London, England: The MIT PressCambridge, 2009. 397 p.

Further reading

Developing effective forest policy. FAO Forestry Paper 161, 2010. 210 p.
Digitalisation and circular economy: forestry and forestry based industry implications. [tiešsaiste] Chobanova R.(Ed.). Sofia: USB & WoodEMA.2019. 350 p. [skatīts 27.03.2023.] Pieejams: http://www.woodema.org/proceedings/WoodEMA_2019_Proceedings.pdf
Klemperer W.D. Forest Resource Economics and Finance. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996. 551 p. Series in Forest Resources.
Krott M. Forest policy analysis. Springer, 2005. 23 p. 2010.g.
Zhang D., Pearse P.H.. Forest Economics. Vancouver, BC: UBC Press, 2012.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Baltijas Koks: ISSN 1407-6667
2. Journal or Forest Economics. Pieejams: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/701775/description#description;
3. Likumi un normatīvie akti. Pieejams: http://www.likumi.lv
4. Meža izpētes organizāciju savienība (IUFRO). Pieejams: http://www.iufro.com
5. Pārtikas un lauksaimniecības organizācija (FAO). Pieejams: http://www.fao.org
6. Starptautiskais zinātnisko rakstu krājums "Baltic Forestry". ISSN 1392-1355.
7. Zinātniskais žurnāls “Forest Policy and Economics”. ISSN 1389-9341. Pieejams: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/620157/description#description

Notes

Master's study program "Forest Science"