IKEA Partners with EFI and Preferred by Nature to Innovate Climate-Smart Forest Management Practices

IKEA Partners with EFI and Preferred by Nature to Innovate Climate-Smart Forest Management Practices

(IN BRIEF) IKEA, alongside the European Forest Institute and Preferred by Nature, has launched a research project to improve forest management and enhance biodiversity. Starting with IKEA’s forests in Latvia, the project will test climate-smart forestry methods and explore how to scale successful practices to strengthen forest resilience and mitigate climate change impacts.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEIDEN, 20-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — IKEA is taking a significant step towards advancing global standards for responsible forest management by launching a new research initiative focused on improving forestry practices. In collaboration with the European Forest Institute (EFI) and Preferred by Nature, the project aims to enhance climate resilience and minimize biodiversity impacts in forest ecosystems.

The partnership will focus on testing innovative forestry methods and exploring how climate-smart management can be scaled across Europe. The first phase of the project will take place in IKEA-owned forests in Latvia, where 16,000 hectares of forest land will be dedicated to pilot projects, testing new models for improved biodiversity and climate adaptation.

IKEA, through its Inter IKEA Group and Ingka Group, will provide funding for the project and contribute its expertise in large-scale forest management. The project will apply a combination of traditional forestry techniques and new, science-backed strategies, such as closer-to-nature forestry and continuous cover forestry, to enhance forest resilience and biodiversity.

“We recognize the critical role that forests play in combating climate change, and as a leading user of wood, we have a responsibility to protect and manage the forests where we operate. This research will help us adapt our forestry practices to changing climate conditions and contribute to the broader efforts to improve biodiversity across Europe,” says Mikhail Tarasov, Head of Forestry at Inter IKEA Group.

The research will also include testing practices for climate change mitigation and adaptation while ensuring that forests continue to provide essential ecosystem services. Methods such as biodiversity conservation, soil preservation, and carbon sequestration will be evaluated to enhance the long-term health of the forest ecosystem.

Marcus Lindner, Head of EFI’s Resilience Programme, highlights the importance of adaptive forest management in addressing climate change: “In order to safeguard biodiversity and increase forest resilience, we must continuously adapt forest management practices. This collaboration with IKEA and Preferred by Nature is key to developing a new generation of sustainable and climate-resilient forest management strategies.”

Peter Feilberg, Executive Director of Preferred by Nature, added: “Our work with IKEA focuses on combining science, innovation, and practical experience to build forests that are resilient to future climate conditions. The knowledge gained through this project will extend far beyond IKEA’s forests, influencing global forest management practices.”

This collaboration is a key part of IKEA’s long-term sustainability strategy, aiming to influence forest management beyond the wood it sources for its products. The findings from the project will be shared with forest certification systems like FSC to scale best practices and drive improvements throughout the forestry industry.

About IKEA

IKEA offers well-designed, functional and affordable, high-quality home furnishing, produced with care for people and the environment. There are several companies with different owners, working under the IKEA Brand, all sharing the same vision: to create a better everyday life for the many people. IKEA was founded in Sweden in 1943.

About Inter IKEA Group

Inter IKEA Group includes Inter IKEA Systems B.V., IKEA of Sweden AB, IKEA Supply AG and IKEA Industry AB-related businesses. Inter IKEA Holding B.V. is the holding company for the Inter IKEA Group. Find further information here.

About Ingka Group

With IKEA retail operations in 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents about 90% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on www.Ingka.com

About Ingka Investments

Ingka Investments is the investment arm of Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer. They invest in assets, manage companies, and operate strategic businesses to preserve and create value for Ingka Group and IKEA – now, and for generations to come. Taking a long-term approach, they invest across six strategic areas: forestland, renewable energy, real estate, circular, financial markets, and business acquisitions and venture investments. Ingka investments responsibly manages over 320,000 hectares of forestland in seven countries, focusing on long-term ownership that helps preserve and increase the forest quality for future generations. Find further information on Ingka Investments here.

About European Forest Institute (EFI)

The European Forest Institute is an international organisation, established by European States. 30 European States have ratified the Convention on EFI. EFI conducts research and provides policy support on issues related to forests. The institute facilitates and stimulates forest-related networking and promotes the dissemination of unbiased and policy-relevant information on forests and forestry. They also advocate for forest research and for the use of scientifically sound information as a basis for forest policies.

About Preferred by Nature

Preferred by Nature is an international non-profit NGO supporting better land management and business practices that benefit people, nature and climate. For 30 years, the NGO has developed sustainable solutions for land management-related supply chains in 100+ countries, focusing on forestry, agriculture and travel. Collaborating with key landscapes, supply chains and markets, they target positive change for a healthier environment, climate and sustainable livelihoods.

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SOURCE: Ingka Holding B.V