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Chair of Forest and Environmental Policy

Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources

Chair of Forest and Environmental Policy

Abkürzung der Fakultät für Umwelt und Natürliche Ressourcen "unr" in der Farbe sand auf grünem, kreisförmigen Hintergrund

We carry out research and academic education within the field of forest and environmental policy. Our work is placed in applied social sciences covering forest-, climate-, water- and nature conservation policy at different policy levels. We are in particular interested in issues relevant for different political sectors, such as sustainability or bioeconomy.

Latest News

Project Update

EMMA4EU project – Training Course in Deforestation-Free Supply Chain Management & EUDR Compliance

In a cross collaboration with our partner Wageningen University & Research and based on a first edition of the Advanced training course in deforestation-free supply chain management, University of Freiburg is actively promoting a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to support students and professionals from all over the world in driving real change toward a more transparent, responsible, and sustainable global trade system.
Please register for the module on the EMMA4EU project website here:
https://www.emma4eu.eu/train/advanced-training-course/
(Link accessible through button below)

Register here

Dissertation

Successful PhD Defence by Theresa Klara Loch

We are delighted to congratulate Theresa Klara Loch on the successful defence of her dissertation, “Social Networks within the Implementation of Forest Biodiversity Conservation.” The dissertation was supervised by Prof. Daniela Kleinschmit (University of Freiburg) and co-supervised by Prof. Örjan Bodin (Stockholm Resilience Centre).
The dissertation examines how biodiversity-related objectives are interpreted and implemented in forest management, with a particular focus on the role of social and social–ecological networks.
Drawing on a systematic review, semi-structured interviews, and network analysis—including a social–ecological perspective that links cooperation patterns to ecological context—the work demonstrates that implementation is shaped through professional relationships, informal coordination, and situated judgment under conditions of uncertainty and institutional ambiguity. By conceptualising implementation as a relational and ecologically embedded process, the dissertation advances research on forest governance and provides empirically grounded insights that are relevant to both academic debates and management practice.
We warmly congratulate Theresa on this achievement and wish her all the best for her future academic and professional path.

Project Update

DIANA project – Understanding forest ownership and shaping future options

Within the research project DIANA – “In Dialogue for New Opportunities for Forest Owners”, a
subproject at the Chair of Forest and Environmental Policy explores the diversity of forest ownership in Baden-Württemberg and ways to strengthen the options for action of current and future forest owners. Building on a state-wide survey, the DIANA team will organise four workshops in different districts of Baden-Württemberg in March 2026. These meetings offer a trusting space for forest owners to reflect on their situation, share experiences and explore perspectives for the future of their forests. More information on objectives, workshop dates and registration is available on the DIANA project website in German.

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Research

Our research focuses and current projects

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Teaching

Our courses and information about theses

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Team

Overview of our team members

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Research on forest and environmental policy at the University of Freiburg – now also available as a podcast!

In the “Forest & Environmental Policy Podcast” by the Chair of Forest and Environmental Policy, doctoral students and post-docs share insights about their research and the projects they are working on. Listen to the episodes to find out about the diverse topics related to forest and environmental policy.

Subscribe to our podcast to never miss a new episode!

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Screenshot des Forest & Environmental Policy Podcasts