FWPA emissions knowledge gap analysis: key insights for the forest and wood products sector
Supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Carbon Farming Outreach Program, FWPA has completed a comprehensive Emissions Knowledge Gap Analysis for the Australian forest and wood products sector, providing a clear picture of where knowledge is strong and where further information and tools are needed to support informed decision-making.
The analysis was undertaken by Indufor Asia Pacific in consultation with industry, research organisations and other rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs). It draws on extensive stakeholder engagement across the sector, including forest growers, processors, researchers and technical experts.
Purpose of the study
The primary aim of the gap analysis was to identify:
- key gaps in publicly available information on emissions reduction, emissions intensity and carbon sequestration,
- the most useful formats and delivery channels for this information, and
- opportunities for collaboration across sectors to improve access to practical, consistent and trusted knowledge.
The findings will help guide future development of sector-specific resources and support better access to reliable information for land managers, forest growers and industry participants.
Key findings
The review confirmed that the forest and wood products sector already has a strong base of research and data, reflecting the long-recognised role of forests as major carbon stores and net carbon sinks. However, the analysis identified several priority knowledge gaps, including:
- the absence of a central, easy-to-navigate directory of emissions and carbon information relevant to forestry,
- limited guidance and tools for tracking and reporting emissions across forest and wood product supply chains,
- a need for clearer information on carbon storage in wood products, particularly in the built environment, and
- challenges in accessing and using existing modelling tools and carbon accounting systems.
Opportunities for improvement
The report highlights the value of developing more centralised and accessible information portals, supported by consistent guidance materials, practical case studies and improved modelling and accounting tools.
It also emphasises the importance of collaboration between FWPA, other RDCs and research partners to ensure knowledge is shared efficiently, avoids duplication, and remains practical and user-focused.
What this means for industry
The gap analysis provides a strategic evidence base for future investment in research, development and extension activities. It will help FWPA and its partners prioritise areas where new tools, guidance and resources can most effectively support industry capability, improve data quality and strengthen understanding of emissions and carbon performance across the forest and wood products sector.
Overall, the report establishes a clear roadmap for building a more coordinated, accessible and practical knowledge framework to support long-term sector resilience and informed land-use decision-making.
Read more here
