Purpose

Circular economy is presented as an approach to economic growth that is in line with sustainable development. However, the recent literature has highlighted the limits of the concept in terms of environmental sustainability. The study examines the relationship between circular economy and conservation of ecosystems, using a case study on the implications of a circular economy for Slovak forests and forest sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative methodology through a focused review of the relevant literature on circular economy and sustainable development and primary data gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 experts and practitioners in the forest sector, forest conservation and circular economy context, both from within as well as outside of Slovakia.

Findings

The study finds that the forestry sector has an important role to play in a shift to a circular economy in Slovakia, with significant opportunities for improved efficiency as well as substitution of wood for non-renewable resources. There is also growing potential for ecosystem stewardship and restoration. However, the increased application of biomass could crowd out other needs, including for biodiversity. Safeguarding these services depends ultimately on good governance.

Originality/value

The study highlights that circular economy taken in a narrow focus on resource efficiency is insufficient to ensure environmental sustainability but rather needs to be set within the broader environmental and social context.

中文翻译：

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循环经济与地球极限：斯洛伐克林业部门案例研究

目的

循环经济是一种符合可持续发展的经济增长方式。然而，最近的文献强调了该概念在环境可持续性方面的局限性。该研究使用关于循环经济对斯洛伐克森林和林业部门影响的案例研究，研究了循环经济与生态系统保护之间的关系。

设计/方法/方法

本研究通过重点回顾循环经济和可持续发展的相关文献，以及通过对 15 位森林部门、森林保护和循环经济领域的专家和从业人员进行半结构化访谈收集的原始数据，采用定性方法以及斯洛伐克以外的地区。

发现

研究发现，林业部门在斯洛伐克向循环经济的转变中可以发挥重要作用，在提高效率以及用木材替代不可再生资源方面具有重要的机会。生态系统管理和恢复的潜力也越来越大。然而，生物质应用的增加可能会挤出其他需求，包括对生物多样性的需求。保障这些服务最终取决于良好的治理。

原创性/价值

该研究强调，狭隘地关注资源效率的循环经济不足以确保环境可持续性，而需要在更广泛的环境和社会背景下进行设置。