Metsätaloustiede

Metsätaloustiede, or forestry economics, is the application of economic principles and methods to the management and utilization of forest resources. It focuses on understanding the economic aspects of forestry, including the production, distribution, and consumption of forest goods and services. This field examines how to achieve optimal outcomes from forest ecosystems, considering both timber and non-timber products, as well as ecological services.

Key areas within metsätaloustiede include forest valuation, investment analysis for forestry projects, the economics of timber harvesting and processing, and the analysis of markets for forest products. It also deals with public policy related to forests, such as taxation, subsidies, and regulations, aiming to balance economic efficiency with environmental sustainability and social objectives. The discipline often incorporates concepts from microeconomics, macroeconomics, and environmental economics.

The goal of metsätaloustiede is to provide a framework for making sound economic decisions in forestry that ensure long-term forest health and productivity, contribute to economic development, and meet societal needs. It considers the unique characteristics of forest resources, such as their long growth cycles and the multiple benefits they provide, to develop appropriate economic models and strategies. Research in this area often involves quantitative analysis, modeling, and the evaluation of policy impacts.