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Working Groups

The Action has three scientific areas. The main part of the Action will be carried out in the working groups (WG) in these scientific areas. In the phase II of the Actions, subgroups have been established to study certain topics more detailed.

Cross cutting issues, subgroups:
1. Characteristics of consumer demand for forest products
2. Ownership and property rights


WG1: Small-scale forestry

Participants

The focus will be on the analyses of owner's attitudes on forestry and forest utilisation, small-scale forestry production possibilities and the integration of small-scale forestry into local small- and medium-scale wood and non-wood processing industries.

Subgroups:
1. Attitudes and values related to forests and forest ownership
2. The role of forest owners associations and related groups in contributing to small-scale forestry
3. The Impacts of Government Legislation and Policy/Projects on Private Forestry


WG 2: SMEs in wood processing industries

Participants

The aim is to analyse the conditions under which the performance of SMEs in wood processing industries using locally produced resources can be improved to meet the demands of urban consumer markets. The focus will be on the analysis of increased business opportunities in SMEs in wood processing industries that could create jobs, raise employment and help the development of rural areas.

Subgroups:
1. Dislocation of industrial activities
2. Timber frame houses
3. Performance of forestry contractors & Bioenergy as an option for forestry
4. Demand for forest products


WG 3: Non-wood forest products and services

Participants

The aim is to analyse the conditions under which the demand of especially urban population on non-wood forest products and services can be better integrated into rural supply. The focus will be in the analysis of increased opportunities for demand-driven entrepreneurship in non-wood forest products and services.

Subgroups:
1. Definitions for NWFP
2. Indicators
3. “Competence for change”
4. Innovations
5. Marketing