State of the Environment in
Vennesla 2001

 
Norsk

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Natural Forests in Vennesla!  Do they excist?
The reduction of the natural forests is one of the greatest threats to the biodiversity in Norway. A large number of animal species are dependent on the natural forests, with its great selection of trees – and plantspecies, that do not occur in cultivated forests. Of the 1619 species of animals on the red list in Norway, a thousand of these rely on the natural forests in order to survive. Only one per cent of productive natural forests in Norway is protected. It has been a goal to protect 5 per cent. Sweden and Finland have protected around 4 per cent and are trying to achieve a protection of 5 per cent. Norway then stands last in protection and preservation of the natural forests. It is therefore fair to question whether the institution of Norwegian forestry really is sustainable. The issue is certainly an outstanding question of the day.
In connection with our assignment, biodiversity, we chose the issue of the great reduction of the natural forests for several reasons. But mostly because of the fact that Vennesla has long traditions in forestry. We are concerned how this has effected the biodiversity in Vennesla. Another thing that drew our attention to this issue is our two factories that use timber as raw material in their production, Hunsfoss which makes paper, and Norwegian Wallboard which makes wooden wallboards.

In Vennesla , Natural forests mostly occur in steep terrain, where cultivation is not feasible. In other words, the natural forests have been limited to only one kind of terrain, which is not necessarily optimal for all species. Species of animals that are dependent on a particular kind of natural forests may get severely limited living areas, and therefore get limited access to food. This will eventually lead to a reduction in the numbers of these species. Also the small spots of natural forests are spread out over vast areas.

What exact impact all this has on the boidiversity in Vennesla, is hard to say. But it is hardly an exaggeration that it has a unfortunate impact. On the other hand, considerations towards the environment are being taken. In an interview with the chief of forestry in Vennesla municipality, Kari Røynli, we learn that the commercial use of the cultivated forest must be kept separate from the natural forests, and the lumberjacks must be certified to sell the timber. Also several customers both in Norway and abroad have become more conscious about the issue, and demand that the timber has been cut in a manner that satisfies the standards that were set in the Rio – convention. Consideration to the natural forest is also taken in matters of building – and outlet applications, and also in terms of road construction. But obviously not enough consideration is taken. There are considerably less natural forests in Vennesla than there have once been. Though Vennesla is a village with quite a bit of industry and a relatively large population according to Norwegian standards, (12 000), the reduction in natural forests for the benefit of an increase in cultivated forests is still striking. It is very alarming, but quite in line with the trend that has been seen in Norway and the rest of the world in general the last years: a constant reduction of untouched nature, with the impact this has on the biodiversity.

EXPLENATION OF WORDS:

• Natural Forests: Forests which have a range of differently aged trees that have grown as a result of natural rejuvenation from treespecies from the local envoirment. There may have been very limited human developments, but not to such an extent that it has disturbed the original ecological processes. 
• Cultivated forests: Forests that are used for commercial purposes. Planted forests. Poor selection of species. 
• Rio – convention: Was arranged in 1992 to get recognition for measures to reduce the outlet of pollutive gases and reduce the impact of these outlets. One of the measures suggested was to preserve the forests, especially natural forests.

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