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.

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

Charlotte Janssens profile picture

Charlotte Janssens

Guest Research Assistant (IBF)

Ellen Tan profile picture

Ellen Tan

Project Officer (IBF)

Hao Zhao profile picture

Hao Zhao

Guest Research Assistant (IBF)

Florian Huber profile picture

Florian Huber

Senior Research Scholar (IBF)

News

Variety of plant-based meat products

12 September 2023

Plant-based food alternatives could support a shift to global sustainability

Replacing 50% of meat and milk products with plant-based alternatives by 2050 can reduce agriculture and land use related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 31% and halt the degradation of forest and natural land, according to new research.
Biofuel filling station on a green background

07 July 2023

IIASA research informs EPA's regulations for sustainable biofuels

IIASA research informed the recently announced Final Renewable Fuels Standards Rule by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding biofuel volume requirements and percentage standards for 2023–2025. The rule establishes biofuel volume requirements and associated percentage standards in view of steady growth of biofuel use in the US's fuel supply and aims to ensure a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.
Close up of hands holding rice in an African market

19 June 2023

A holistic approach to addressing food security in Africa

The African continent faces a multitude of challenges, and food security is among the most pressing. New research by an international team of researchers sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing the African continent in securing sufficient food supplies with a particular focus on rice.

Focus

Morning fog over rain forest in Colombia

14 July 2023

Ambitious ecological restoration and deforestation control strategies could support Colombia’s climate and biodiversity targets

IIASA researchers Juliana Arbelaez-Gaviria and Eleanor Warren-Thomas have coauthored a new policy brief published with the Colombia team of the Food, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Land, and Energy (FABLE) Consortium, an initiative under the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) and part of the UN Sustainable Development and Solutions Network (UNSDSN). The brief outlines how deforestation and ecological restoration in Colombia may impact carbon, biodiversity, and agricultural production by 2030.

27 June 2023

Driving change from the ground up

Options Magazine, Summer 2023: Felicity Addo joined IIASA in 2021. She is a key contributor to the FACE Africa project, bringing together local actors to co-design strategies to ensure food security in The Gambia.  
Felicty Addo feature

26 June 2023

Utilizing forest management practices to counteract EU species loss

Options Magazine, Summer 2023: Strategic forest management could provide the pathways needed to mitigate climate change while minimizing species loss in the EU.
Forest

Publications