Competition Over Nature, Space, Resources and Management in the Mountain Birch Forest Ecosystem in Northernmost Fennoscandia: A Synthesis

Abstract

The chapters (14-19) included in this section address and assess some fundamental questions on the sustainability of the rapidly increasing competition over the use of the mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) ecosystem in northernmost Fennoscandia. The varied human interest and its impact on the mountain birch forests are highlighted. The future levels of quality of life of local communities and the management of local living resources are thus of paramount importance for the continuation of human occupancy and land use, future sustainability and biodiversity of the mountain birch ecosystem.