Future research plans to support forest carbon policy in Canada

Abstract

This article summarizes a ten-year plan for forest carbon science that was developed in a collaborative effort with the forest carbon science and policy community in Canada. Building on the research progress since the first plan, the updated Blueprint outlines key priorities, goals, and visions for forest carbon research over the next decade. Here we describe the five essential research areas, namely: A) understanding human impacts on forest carbon; B) exploring foundational forest carbon dynamics; C) assessing climate change mitigation strategies; D) promoting reconciliation and including Indigenous Knowledges in meaningful and authentic ways; and E) contextualizing carbon within the broad range of forest values. The Blueprint serves as a guide for the development of research supporting policies that continue to foster sustainable forest management and maintain and enhance collaborative carbon research in Canada.