The connection between Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and forest operations research

In this study, a worldwide bibliometric analysis was used to examine the status and development trends of research related to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the field of sustainable forest operations (SFO). The aim was to quantify the extent to which SDG targets are considered, directly or indirectly, in the assessment of SFO in the literature from the period 2017–2022. Nine of 17 SDGs and 17 of 169 SDG targets were found to be highly relevant for quantifying SFO. Cluster analysis revealed interconnections among SDGs and SDG targets, resulting in three SDG clusters and four SDG target clusters based on environmental, social and economic criteria, or a combination thereof. The investigation of key parameters in the analyzed studies demonstrated trends in SDG targets per year, region and machine category. Additionally, the relevance of SDG targets for forest operations was assessed, SDG targets were classified based on their impacts, and future trends were estimated. Despite the negative impact of forest operations on several SDGs, a positive trend toward more sustainable forest management was observed across all SDGs. This study offers insights into key aspects that warrant attention in future endeavors to enhance the sustainability of forest operations in Europe.