This dissertation analysed and synthesised stump harvesting for bioenergy production in terms of sustainability, especially in terms of forest health and societal acceptance. This research consequently used an interdisciplinary approach. The effects of human intervention by stump harvesting on pine weevil (Hylobius abietis) breeding, feeding, and seedling damage was studied via field experiments. Stakeholder perception and acceptance of stump harvesting were studied via questionnaires and a literature review. Field experiments showed that stump harvesting is a secondary tool in the regulation of pine weevil breeding and feeding. The questionnaires indicated that respondents were divided on the topic of to stump harvesting for pine weevil reduction, site preparation, and bioenergy production. Furthermore, the social acceptance study found that there have been contradictory research findings in this regard over the past decades. Consequently, society remains confused about stump harvesting for bioenergy production. According to the questionnaires, high level administrators were especially critical of stump harvesting whereas farmers and foresters were in favour of this practice. As Finland aims to be a bioeconomy pioneer, it needs to consider updated knowledge on and social acceptance of stump harvesting for bioenergy production. In addition, technological investment and market acceptance of stump harvesting contribute to the bioeconomy. Stump harvesting for bioenergy production is an option for by which the forestry sector in Finland can accelerate the development of a green economy, which is also known as a bioeconomy.
The doctoral dissertation of MSc Abul Rahman, entitled Inter-disciplinary analysis for synthesising weevil damage and stakeholder perception related to stump harvesting will be examined at the Faculty of Science and Forestry. The opponent in the public examination will be Professor Pekka Niemelä, University of Turku, and the custos will be Professor Emeritus Paavo Pelkonen, University of Eastern Finland.
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