Die Rolle des Energieholzes in der Waldpolitik beider Basel (essay) | The role of firewood in the forest policy of both Basel (essay)

In the region of Basel, the intensive firewood production of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries led to a threatening situation for the forest. Therefore, the anticipated increase of forestry operations for the wood cogeneration plant Basel is controversial. In addition to concerns about the impact on natural scenery, there is also concern about the amount of sustainable wood available. An analysis of the current situation revealed that the use of wood for energy production plays a key role in the forestry policy of both Basel. This is because the existing public interests in the forest, which should lead to an increase of the firewood production, are only financially tolerable if the firewood production allows a marginal return. Such a marginal return is only realistic if there is also a market for less valuable wood products. Due to the wood cogeneration plant which will start operations in 2008, it can be expected that the previously side product firewood will become a main product. Overall, there are many reasons which support the idea that in both Basel the «Renaissance» of firewood as a source of energy will contribute significantly to a sustainable forest development.