Funding from the Kone Foundation for research on the sustainable use of forests
In the April 2026 decisions, the board of Kone Foundation granted 3,5 million euros in funding to 24 projects. A total of 541 applications were submitted to the open call.
The project led by JYU Professor in Applied Ecology Mikko Mönkkönen (€350,000) examines how forests can be used in a fair and ecologically sustainable way across Finnish regions, with the aim of generating knowledge that also supports the adaptability of the forest-based economy. It takes a provincial approach, considering the role of municipalities and parishes, while also enhancing understanding of forest values beyond timber production.
It seeks answers on ecologically sustainable maximum harvesting volumes, forest-related carbon leakage (the phenomenon where reduced harvesting in one region leads to increased harvesting elsewhere), and effective policy instruments, as well as on how forests can generate value without harvesting wood for burning or for pulp.
