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

Placeholder, because no staff image is available

Dejana Golic

Researcher (IBF)

Placeholder, because no staff image is available

Jinfeng Chang

Guest Research Scholar (IBF)

Amanda Palazzo profile picture

Amanda Palazzo

Senior Research Scholar (IBF)

Andre Deppermann profile picture

Andre Deppermann

Guest Senior Research Scholar (IBF)

News

Food market

23 March 2026

CHOICE webinar showcases interactive tools bringing food-system models closer to stakeholders

The Horizon Europe project CHOICE hosted an online webinar presenting two interactive simulation environments designed to make food-system and climate modelling more accessible to stakeholders, policymakers, and non-expert users. The session featured live demonstrations and hands-on exercises exploring how behavioral change, dietary shifts, food waste reduction, and land-use decisions can shape sustainability outcomes.
Autumn forest in fog with sun rays.

12 January 2026

Trees4Adapt project to address risks from climate change and biodiversity loss through tree-based solutions

Researchers from the IIASA Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program are involved in the recently launched EU-funded Trees4Adapt project. The project focuses on tree-based solutions for climate adaptation, aiming to strengthen Europe’s adaptation and resilience to climate change in a way that supports people and nature.
Emissions

10 November 2025

Emissions could peak before 2030 – yet the world is still off track for 1.5°C

A new EU-funded report reveals that while global emissions could peak before 2030, current efforts remain insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal. The study, produced through collaboration between IIASA, the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, and the NewClimate Institute, provides a detailed, evidence-based assessment of progress among the world’s largest emitters.

Focus

Glass Earth globe on a dewy leaf

Annual Report 2025: Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program Highlights

Balancing the needs of people and nature is one of the defining challenges of our time. Throughout 2025, the Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program advanced research on how societies can pursue climate, biodiversity, and development goals while managing growing pressures on land, water, energy, and ecosystems.
Aerial view of winding road through autumn colored forest

08 April 2026

Forest Talks webinar explores integrating Earth observation and national forest inventories across Europe

The most recent edition of the Forest Talks webinar series – jointly hosted by the ForestNavigator project (coordinated by IIASA) together with the ForestPaths and PathFinder projects – brought together researchers, modelers, and national reporting experts to discuss advances in Earth observation (EO) for forest monitoring and greenhouse gas inventory support across Europe. 

Publications