efdm-An R package offering a scenario tool beyond forestry.

Area of Science:

• Forestry science
• Ecological modeling
• Environmental planning

Background:

• Scenario tools are crucial for policymaking and strategic planning in forestry.
• Projecting future forest resources requires considering biodiversity loss, climate change, and biomass demand.
• Existing models need to integrate diverse factors like management, threats, and policy interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new, open-source R package implementation of the European Forestry Dynamics Model (EFDM).
• To enhance the model's capability for complex scenario development and analysis.
• To improve the accessibility and usability of the EFDM for researchers and policymakers.

Main Methods:

• Development of an area-based matrix model implemented in R.
• Integration of forest state data and management activity models (thinning, felling, silviculture).
• Inclusion of advanced scenario capabilities: forestry system transitions, land-use change, and species shifts.

Main Results:

• The new EFDM R package allows for more complex scenario development, including transitions to continuous cover forestry and land-use changes.
• Faster execution speed enhances the model's utility as a component in optimization systems.
• The user-friendly interface increases approachability and usability for diverse applications.

Conclusions:

• The open-source EFDM R package provides a powerful and flexible tool for projecting future forest resources under various scenarios.
• It facilitates the study of large-scale impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and management strategies.
• The model's enhanced capabilities support informed policymaking and strategic planning for sustainable forest management.