Frame analysis of attitudes towards forest-based bioenergy in Europe: Exploring the criticism to improved dialogue

The objective of this study is to investigate the criticism against forest-based bioenergy. It is based on a qualitative study and provides a comprehensive understanding of critical attitudes towards forest-based bioenergy among environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) in Europe. Through semi-structured interviews with 12 representatives from Swedish and European ENGOs a frame analysis was done. The analysis shows how these respondents conceptualize challenges related to forest-based bioenergy, what processes that underpin these views and what concrete solutions the respondents suggest to the risks they perceive. Frames refer to what arguments the respondents use to justify their opinions and conclusions, whereas framing is the process of applying their frames to situations. The analysis also accounts for system boundaries set among the respondents, since that influences their problem definitions and conclusions. The ENGO representatives reported rigorous and profound criticism of forest-based bioenergy and, not the least, of current forestry practices in general. Also, respondents within the same ENGO differed in approach to forest-based bioenergy, which suggests that individual characteristics need consideration for dialogue to be constructive. Lack of trust was identified as one major obstacle for constructive dialogue. Understanding the socio-personal factors and diversity in perspectives behind forest-based bioenergy criticism is crucial for development that is socially acceptable. To this end, policy processes need to involve facilitation and well-designed dialogue processes oriented towards mutual learning, where actors are invited early and allowed to engage in the very problem definition. Crucial is also to maintain continuity among the participants. To get a complete picture of the discourse on forest-based bioenergy a similar analysis of proponents would complement this study.