The research focus of IBF is the integrated modeling of natural resources and ecosystems management using IIASA models such as the Global Biosphere Management Model (GLOBIOM) for the development of transformations in food and bio-based sectors that enable satisfying human needs while ensuring the sustainable use of terrestrial and marine environments.

The IBF Group strives to bring about transformations in the use and management of terrestrial, fresh water, and marine ecosystems for “happy people on a healthy planet” by informing national and international policies, and by engaging with businesses and civil society. For this, the group relies on a suite of well-established models, including the Global Biosphere Management Model (GLOBIOM) and the Global Forest Model (G4M), as well as its reputation as a credible partner in concrete policy/regulatory processes.

The group’s key research areas include:

  • Land, water, and oceans management focusing on primary producers in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries and their impact on the environment, including land-based climate change mitigation.
  • Bio-based sectors integrating consumers and producers across food, fibre, and fuel supply chains.
  • Shocks, adaptation, and resilience within bio-based sectors including weather extremes.
  • Food, nutrition, and poverty, as the main social outcomes of land, water, and oceans use.
  • Integrated biosphere foresight and solutions developing forward-looking scenarios for the assessment of potential synergies and trade-offs between relevant Sustainable Development Goals at regional and global scales, and exploring national and international options for their achievement to inform policymaking.

YSSP opportunities

Models, tools, datasets

Beautiful view into a nothern europe forest with pine trees on a sunny day

Global Biosphere Management Model (GLOBIOM)

Projects

ForestNavigator

Navigating European forests and forest bioeconomy sustainably to EU climate neutrality (ForestNavigator)

MIND STEP

Modelling INdividual Decisions to Support The European Policies related to agriculture (MIND STEP)

Lamasus

Land Management for Sustainability (LAMASUS)

Aerial view of large biofuel plant

Brazil-EU Cooperation for Development of Advanced Lignocellulosic Biofuel (BECOOL)

Staff

Petr Havlík profile picture

Petr Havlík

Program Director and Principal Research Scholar (BNR); Research Group Leader and Principal Research Scholar (IBF)

Florian Huber profile picture

Florian Huber

Senior Research Scholar (IBF)

Marta Kozicka profile picture

Marta Kozicka

Research Scholar (IBF)

Ipsita Kumar profile picture

Ipsita Kumar

Research Scholar (IBF)

News

Participants at the meeting gatherd around a laptop

01 March 2024

Tackling climate change risk across Europe

IIASA hosted the second annual project meeting for the Horizon Europe project Assessing Climate Change Risk in Europe (ACCREU), bringing together research partners to discuss the way forward in tackling climate change risks across Europe.
Dreamstime_Co2

08 February 2024

IIASA research informs the European Commission's recommendation for 90% greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2040

The European Commission set an ambitious mid-term target, supported by an extensive Impact Assessment, paving the way to climate neutrality by 2050.
Amazon Brazil

27 November 2023

A credible path for Brazil to reach net zero by 2050 depends on nature-based solutions

Without the implementation of nature-based solutions through actions such as halting deforestation and promoting large-scale native vegetation restoration, Brazil would jeopardize its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) pledges including achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050, according to a new study. The researchers also emphasize that stopping deforestation is the most important mitigation measure Brazil can take towards net zero while preventing biodiversity loss.

Focus

11 November 2023

Communicating research into climate mitigation policies

Options Magazine, Winter 2023: Zuelclady Araujo Gutierrez’s research supports governments to have better data and tools for their longterm climate change mitigation planning, tailored to the realities of their countries.
Options 2023
Chocolate balls connected in a network structure

09 October 2023

Chocolate, systems thinking, and tomorrow's global citizens

Using the journey of chocolate, from the sun-drenched cocoa plantations to the sweet bars that we all know and love, IIASA researchers Ali Kharrazi and Zuelclady Araujo Gutierrez recently guided a group of young learners through the practical applications of systems thinking and life-cycle analysis in our everyday lives.

Publications