Shifting the concept of climate-smart forestry (CSF) to an integral model of evidence-based adaptive forest stewardship

• V.M. Agapkin

  Government of the Sakhalin Region, 32, Kommunistichesky Ave., Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, 693000, Russian Federation

  Автор

• A.A. Romanovskaya

  Yu.A. Izrael Institute of Global Climate and Ecology, 20B, Glebovskaya Str., Moscow, 107258, Russian Federation

  Автор

Abstract. The article presents a critical analysis of the Climate-Smart Forestry
(CSF) concept as an evolutionary development of Sustainable Forest Management
(SFM) under global climate change. The history, theoretical foundations, and the
triple objective of CSF are examined: climate change mitigation, adaptation of
forest ecosystems, and sustainable productivity enhancement. International
experience in CSF implementation is analyzed across Europe (Finland, Czech
Republic, Netherlands, United Kingdom), North America (USA, Canada), Asia
(China, Vietnam), and Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya). Special attention is given to
technological solutions (LiDAR, digital twins, artificial intelligence, robotic
machinery) and carbon balance assessment methodologies (IPCC Tier 3, EFI
European indicators, GB/T Chinese standards). Based on the analysis of global
experience and the current state of Russian forest legislation (accounting for 2024-
2025 amendments), patterns of integrating SFM, FLM, CSF, and Forest 4.0
elements on a modern technological platform are identified. A hypothesis is
formulated regarding an integral concept of Evidence-Based Adaptive Forest
Management (EAFS), utilizing interconnected digital twins of the forest ecosystem
and forest management activities with an adaptive co-management module. A plan
for organizing a long-term forest climate project on a large forest tract is presented,
encompassing stages of digital inventory, technological equipping, organization of
the project activity production cycle, and results monetization (carbon units’
issuance). Expert economic calculations and a review of best available technologies
are provided. The conclusion is drawn on the necessity of launching a pilot
experiment "Smart Forestry" in Russia to test and replicate the model.

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