TECHNODIVERSITY addresses these challenges by building a common basis of technological knowledge and increasing the sensitivity for diversity in this field. The aim was to bring together existing knowledge in forest operations that is scattered across Europe and to develop a common understanding in forest operations to improve the forest actions while reducing environmental impact and diminishing ergonomic harms and risks. In detail, the aim of the project was to show and explain the technological diversity in harvesting operations and to promote it through targeted training. For this purpose, four project results were planned: (i) Facts and methods: Develop a glossary on forest operations and tutorials about research methods on forest engineering (ii) Scientific audiovisuals: Provide video strings to illustrate typical harvesting methods under regional forest situations (iii) Knowledge platform: Develop a platform to allow the access to this complex knowledge base in a didactically easy and barrier-free way (iv) E-learning course: Implement an e-learning course on forest operations with the task to develop optimal harvesting methods that can be included in existing master programs.
Modern machines and devices for harvesting and transporting wood are largely similar internationally, and the options are manageable. But the options for which they are used locally, differ greatly depending on the local conditions, social environment and market situation. This is related to the natural site and stand conditions, but also to local traditions, historical roots, and economic circumstances. Technology has to regard this diversity; this should be a yardstick for the competent and responsible use of technology in the sensitive forest areas. But educational programs on professional school and university level very often stick on economic maximation and underestimate the relevance of ecological risks and side effects, societal needs, and ergonomics. Under these conditions, it is likely that knowledge about tools and machines as well as harvesting and transport methods and their impact on environment and society is not well developed. The consequence will be that foresters’ technological knowledge will be restricted, in terms of the ability to optimize their actions on local environmental and societal needs.