New LANDFLOW model extensions developed

The LANDFLOW model, developed at IIASA, was applied to estimate how deforestation is connected to agricultural production in each country and how it relates to EU consumption via international trade.

Deforestation © terrasprite | iStock

Deforestation

The LANDFLOW model was used to study the impact of EU consumption on deforestation.

Results of the study "The impact of EU consumption on deforestation," prepared by a European consortium including IIASA, highlight that agricultural products imported into Europe (period 1990-2008) accounted for more than one-third of global deforestation associated with international agricultural trade, mainly due to livestock feed imports from South America.

Methodology, findings and policy recommendations of the study were published by the European Commission (EC) in 2013 [1].

The LANDFLOW modelling framework is being further extended in a new project commissioned by the German Environment Agency and conducted jointly by IIASA and partners.

The project started in 2013 and seeks to develop new impact and quality oriented land use indicators in support of defining pathways towards a resource-efficient Europe. The research develops a hybrid land footprint approach of IIASA’s LANDFLOW and an economic Input-Output Modelling Framework approach of the Economic University of Vienna.

The land footprints associated with human consumption patterns will also be characterized by qualitative aspects of natural resource use, such as land quality, water quantity and source, deforestation impacts and nutrient use. 

References

[1] European Commission (2013). The impact of EU consumption on deforestation. Technical Report 2013-063.

Collaborators

European Commission (EC);

German Environment Agency;
Economic University of Vienna.


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Last edited: 22 May 2014

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Günther Fischer

Distinguished Emeritus Research Scholar Water Security Research Group - Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program

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