Editorial: urban attitudes, big trees, and forest conservation

The United Nation’s Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030 aims to halt ecosystem degradation to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. In Malaysia, the concept of sustainable forest management (SFM) has been practiced since 1901. In this study, we evaluated the genetic diversity of the native dipterocarp timber tree Shorea acuminata in a rehabilitated area at Kenaboi Forest Reserve (Kenaboi FR). The rehabilitated area was formerly a degraded forest managed with the taungya restoration system for 50 years. All trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) of 5 cm and over were measured, tagged and identified in a one-hectare study plot. A total of 132 inner bark samples were collected for DNA extraction. Four SSR markers (Sle280, Sle392, Sle475 and Sle566) and two EST-SSR markers (SleE07 and SleE16) were used to analyse 95 good-quality DNA samples. Genetic diversity parameters including maternal contribution were determined for 75 samples. The genetic diversity of big trees (He = 0.656 ± 0.19) and small trees (He = 0.652 ± 0.17) were high and both were in genetic equilibrium, with Fis values of the big trees being 0.035 and small trees being 0.164. Clustering analysis based on Jaccard’s similarity values (at 95% confidence level) confirmed that big trees in the Kenaboi FR rehabilitated area had originated from genetically diverse seed trees of the Sungai Menyala Forest Reserve which were used as the planting stock for the taungya restoration system. Maternal contribution showed that the allele contribution of the small trees came from the planted S. acuminata trees within the study area. The high genetic diversity of small trees in this study provides strong evidence that the existing big trees would be suitable for a genetically diverse seed collection to rehabilitate other degraded forests. Sustainable forest management must emphasise genetic diversity in order to ensure the resilience of rehabilitated forest ecosystems.

Civic groups have recently increased the number of activities that they are performing for the conservation of urban forests. To ensure the successful completion of these activities, strong public—private partnerships must be established. The purpose of this study is to increase the understanding of the nature of the management system for urban forest conservation, which is based on the formation of partnerships among civic groups, administration, forest owners, and several organizations. This is done by examining the management system for urban forest conservation of Matsudo City, Chiba, where 10 civic groups work at forests under private ownership. The study results indicate that 1) the Satoyama Volunteer Introductory Course offered by civic groups and the local administration helps citizens continuously form civic groups for forest conservation; 2) the form of cooperative administration employed by civic groups and forest owners allows forest conservation work to proceed smoothly; 3) by working within networks, civic groups are able to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in forest conservation and solve any problems that may arise; and 4) a successful system for forest conservation requires that civic groups, forest owners, and neighborhood residents share recognition among themselves and cooperatively set rules for forest conservation.

Abstract. Sudrajat S, Dwiputro M. 2019. A comparative study of tree community structure and natural regeneration status in Bontang urban forest and conservation forest of the LNG Industrial Plant Area, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2841-2847. The objective of this study was to describe and compare the community structure and natural regeneration status of tree species in urban forests within industrial estates. This study was conducted in two types of forests, Bontang urban forests within industrial area and conservation forests in the Industrial buffer zone area. At each forest location, a transect was made, and along the transect, a plot of size 20 x 20 meters was made with a distance between plots of 100 meters. In each plot, several subplots were made with size of 5m x 5m for sapling level, and 2m x 2m for seedling level. The results of this study showed that in urban forest areas there were 32 tree-level species, 21 sapling species and 15 seedling species, belonging of 49 genera and 39 families. The number of species, species richness, species diversity, evenness of sapling and tree-level species was more in urban forests than in conservation forest, and the condition was vice versa for seedling level. The value of species dominance index in conservation forest was greater than urban forest, and conversely, the value of individual density/ha for tree-level was 562.50 individuals/ha, sapling level was 7,933 ind./Ha and for seeding level 80,625 ind./ha. Of the 53 urban forest species, 28 species (52.83%) were in no regeneration category, 3 species (5.66%) were in poor regeneration category, and 22 species (41.50%) were in the new species category. In contrast, among 76 species of the conservation forests, 8 species (10.52%) showed good regeneration status, 13 species (17.10%) showed poor status and 55 species (72.36%) showed no regeneration status. From the results, it can be concluded that the Bontang urban forest in the industrial area shows no regeneration status and the emergence of new species. In the context of conservation, it is recommended to implement special silvicultural techniques to maintain the biodiversity of this urban forest.

Conservation efforts for Blakiston's fish owl Bubo blakistoni in Russia are limited, partly because habitat use by these rare owls is poorly known. We therefore studied nesting and foraging habitat characteristics of Blakiston's fish owls in Primorye, Russia. We sampled habitat at 14 nest sites, 12 nest stand sites and 13 random sites; we also sampled rivers within 14 fish owl home ranges across our 20,213 km2 study area. We found that large old trees and riparian old-growth forest were the primary characteristics of nest and foraging sites, respectively. Large trees were probably used as nest sites because they have cavities large enough to accommodate these birds. Big trees are also important because they are primary sources of large woody debris in rivers, which enhances suitable habitat for salmon, the owl's primary prey. Based on habitat characteristics, nest sites were correctly distinguished from random sites 74% (Kappa = 0.48) of the time, nest stands from random sites 56% (Kappa = 0.12) of the time, and used sites from available foraging sites 68% (Kappa = 0.36) of the time. The management and conservation of old-growth forests is essential for sustaining this species because they are central to the owls' nesting and foraging behaviour. Moreover, conservation of these forests sustains habitat for many other species.

The purpose of this study is to reveal the strength of employee's ability factors to understand environmental issues and leadership on the effectiveness of urban forest management employees. This research was carried out in the PT JIEP Pulogadung industrial area in Jakarta for three months, starting from June to August 2017. The research method used was ex post-facto or comparative causal relationship with 2 x factorial design 2. Results of research on urban forest conservation management activities between employees with the ability to understand high environmental issues are higher than those with the ability to understand the low environmental issues. The average urban forest conservation management that has the ability to understand high environmental issues is 141.93 higher than employees who have the ability to understand low environmental issues, namely 125.93. Furthermore, there is an interaction effect between the application of the ability to understand environmental issues and Leadership on the management of forest conservation of the city. The effect of the interaction is 41%. Urban forest conservation management activities between employees who have the ability to understand high environmental issues are higher than employees who have the ability to understand low environmental issues in the group with Transformative Leadership as evidenced from the tuckey test results, that Qcount> Qtable is 5.91> 4 , 11
 Keywords: Employee Ability, Environmental Issues, Leadership

Based on the survey data from a 1 hm2 plot of the second forest in Maoershan, we divided the stand into four size degrees, including seedlings (tree height H<30 cm), saplings (H 30-130 cm or H>130 cm meanwhile DBH< 5 cm), medium trees (DBH 5-10 cm) and big trees (DBH≥10 cm). The spatial pattern and spatial association of all woody plants and three dominant tree species in four size degrees, as well as the basic forest regeneration, were chosen as study objects, to explore the renewal trend and provide theoretical basis for the sustainable forest management. The O-ring point pattern analysis method was used to analyze the spatial distribution and spatial association. The dominant trees were planted Pinus koraiensis and three common broadleaved tree species (Fraxinus mandshurica, Juglans mandshurica, Phellodendron amurense), and Ulmus pumila. The results showed that the regeneration of the stand was quite common, with 2894 seedlings·hm-2 and 3337 saplings·hm-2 . For the whole forest, the seedlings in the stand were positively associated with large trees and medium trees and saplings respectively at the scales of 0-25 m, 0-15 m and 0-40 m, and negatively associated at the subsequent scales. The saplings were positively associated with large trees and medium trees at 0-15 m, 0-25 m respectively, and had no significant association at the subsequent scales. Medium trees showed no significant association with big trees at all the scales. For the dominant trees, the saplings and seedlings of Pinus koraiensis showed negative association at the scale of 0-40 m, while the saplings and seedlings of the three common broadleaved tree species or Ulmus pumila were mainly non-associated. There was a negative association between the saplings of Pinus koraiensis and each size degree of the three common broadleaved tree species or Ulmus pumila at most scale, whereas saplings of the three common broadleaved tree species and Ulmus pumila showed a negative association with non-conspecies only at 0-20 m scale. In the medium and large size degrees, there was no significant association between each two of the three dominant tree species at the scale above 20 m. The secondary forest in Maoershan is still under the process of succession. During the process of forest resource management, measures should be taken to promote the renewal, and the unreasonable spatial pattern should be adjusted in time.

ABSTRACT: Today, a historic opportunity appears to present itself. This is the chance to link the stabilization of the global climate with the financing of tropical forest conservation. The effort to link these two key parts of the Global into a conservation and financing program was a key agenda item at the Copenhagen Conference, COP-15, held in December 2009. The proposal, called Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD), envisions creating marketable carbon offset rights representing the carbon content of tropical forests. These offsets would be sold to firms in the industrial world operating under emissions caps. This system would create incentives to preserve the forest, along with the funds needed to ensure implementation. Investing in natural tropical forests, under existing economic and social conditions, is generally not attractive. In most tropical nations, poor governance and contested property rights are barriers to investment. Future population pressures are also likely to intensify. Western Europe has had experience in managing complex, highly fragmented, and poorly documented forest rights: the forest use rights of medieval times. The fact that adjusting them to modern needs took centuries and generated severe conflict reminds us how difficult massive changes in customary rights can be. Thoughtful study of this experience could generate ideas for managing transitions in tenure rights in the tropical world. From a legal standpoint, a sale of a carbon right in a forest is an exceptionally complex transaction in real property. The frustrations of at Copenhagen reflect the bedrock fact that saving tropical forests is complicated. The prospect REDD can deliver early progress on saving tropical forests should be viewed as an untested hypothesis. Achieving REDD-readiness is likely to be a work of decades if not generations. ABSTRACT I. INTRODUCTION II. CARBON RIGHTS AND TROPICAL FORESTS A. What Is REDD? B. Setting: The Tropical Forest Figure 1: Forest Area (2005) Figure 2: Percent of Natural Forest Sustainably Managed, as Estimated by International Tropical Timber Organization 2006 1. Economics of Tropic Forest Management 2. Economic Challenges and Population Pressures Figure 3: Population Pressures on Forest 3. Governance Challenges Figure 4: Failed States Index Rank, 2008 Figure 5. World Forest Area 2005 C. Delivering a Marketable Carbon Credit: Compliance Market 1. What Is a REDD Project? 2. Carbon Credit as Real Estate Transaction: Who Owns the Carbon? 3. Who Owns the Land? 4. Contracting Carbon for a Century III. LESSONS FROM COMMONS THEORY AND HISTORY A. Theory of the Commons and Its Management 1. Atmosphere as a Commons 2. The Tropical Forest as a Commons B. Learning from Ancient Parchments: Medieval Europe IV. COPENHAGEN AND REDD A. What Happened--and Didn't Happen--.at Copenhagen B. Policy Learning and REDD: Programmatic Puzzles C. Informal Observations on the Major Policy Challenges V. CONCLUSION Going up that river was like travelling back to the earliest beginnings of the world, when vegetation rioted on the earth and the big trees were kings. An empty stream, a great silence, an impenetrable forest. (1) --Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness I. INTRODUCTION At the United Nations Conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Development, General Assembly president, Dr. Ali Abdussalam Treki, urged his listeners to consider: [T]he Earth's biosphere as the common heritage of all life, with humanity as its guardian. It belongs to the common good of humanity and the Earth, as stated at the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment . …

The objective of this research was to know the effect of the forest conservation program and caring community against effectiveness of urban forest conservation. This research applied true experimental design with posttest-only control design. This populations of this research is part of community around urban city. The samples of this research were community as government program and private program. The instrument of this this research namely Effectiveness test and caring scale questionnaire. The research data are quantitative data consisted by score Effectiveness test and caring scale, collected on February until May 2013. Data were analysed by linear variant statistical analysis (ANAVA), continued with Tukey test. The result of research indicated that there were conservation program toward the effectiveness of urban forest conservation. community with government program having the value of effectiveness higher then from private program. Based on this research, the researcher suggest to the government to keep the program run and countinues and for private / corporation must have another program to make conservation program more effective&#x0D;

Exploring the drivers behind women’s intentions towards climate change mitigation through urban forest conservation

The book, entitling ‘Recent Readings in Sustainable Forest Management Practices’, is a comprehensive compilation that delves into the multifaceted realm of sustainable forestry. Written by a team of seasoned experts, this book provides a nuanced exploration of contemporary issues, emerging trends, and innovative practices in forest management. As a vital resource for professionals, researchers, and policymakers, the book tackles a range of topics crucial to the sustainability and resilience of our forests. The book kicks off with an in-depth examination of technical forest management practices. Covering aspects such as silviculture, harvesting techniques, and forest regeneration, this section provides insights into the latest methodologies and technologies shaping the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Readers gain a comprehensive understanding of how technical advancements are influencing decision-making processes for forest conservation and utilization. A critical aspect of sustainable forest management, soil health forms the cornerstone of this section. The book explores the intricate relationship between forest ecosystems and soil nutrients, offering readers valuable insights into sustainable soil management practices. Topics include nutrient cycling, soil conservation strategies, and the impact of climate change on soil health, providing a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining soil fertility. Recognizing the importance of community engagement, the book dedicates a section to participatory forest management. Through case studies and theoretical frameworks, readers gain an understanding of how involving local communities in decision-making processes contributes to the sustainable use and conservation of forest resources. The section also explores the socio-economic dynamics and governance structures that underpin successful participatory initiatives. In an era marked by rapid urbanization, the book addresses the vital intersection of forests and urban environments. Urban forestry emerges as a key theme, exploring the role of trees and green spaces in urban settings. From urban planning and biodiversity conservation to the psychological and health benefits of urban forests, this section sheds light on the pivotal role that trees play in enhancing the quality of life in cities. A diverse array of forest resources beyond timber takes center stage in this section. The book explores the sustainable harvest and utilization of non-timber forest products, ranging from medicinal plants and herbs to fruits, resins, and handicrafts. By highlighting the economic and ecological significance of these products, the authors underscore the importance of incorporating them into sustainable forest management strategies. The nexus between forests and rural livelihoods is a central theme woven throughout the book. Readers gain insights into how sustainable forest management practices can contribute to poverty alleviation, community development, and the enhancement of rural livelihoods. Case studies and real-world examples illustrate the positive impact of integrating forest management with local economic activities. A chapter explores the role of forests as a repository of medicinal plants and the sustainable practices associated with their harvest. Readers gain a deeper understanding of the conservation challenges, ethical considerations, and cultural dimensions surrounding the use of medicinal plants, emphasizing the need for responsible and sustainable management. "Recent Readings in Sustainable Forest Management Practices" serves as a valuable compendium, offering a rich tapestry of insights into the diverse and interconnected facets of sustainable forest management. By addressing technical, ecological, social, and economic dimensions, the book provides a holistic perspective that is essential for navigating the complex landscape of contemporary forestry practices.

Understanding community attitudes towards urban forests is of great importance since these attitudes are inherently linked to the long-term sustainability of urban forests management and conservation. We analysed the attitudes of the local community towards the Njiro forest (Arusha, Tanzania) which is managed and used as an experimental beekeeping area by TAWIRI (Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute). Data collection was done between September-October 2018 involving a sample of 163 randomly selected respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Quantitative data were analysed through Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). Chi-square tests and contingency tables were used to determine whether there was a significant difference between the expected frequencies and the observed frequencies in one or more categories. Possible influences coming from sociological and demographic factors such as age, gender, education level, occupation were assessed. The majority of the respondents declared to gain ecological benefits from the forest. A significantly larger group of older respondents in comparison with the younger ones (p&lt;0.05) declared to face problems coming from the forest (stray dogs, robbers, illegal waste disposal). Males showed to be more interested in practising beekeeping than females (p&lt;0.05). Respondents with a primary education level were more prone to express agreement with the adopted management strategies in comparison with respondents with higher education (p&lt;0.001). In conclusion, the great majority of respondents declared to support the conservation of Njiro forest, however, employed respondents and females were more positive regarding the hypothesis of abolishing the forest (p&lt;0.05). In order to improve management strategies and support the long-term conservation of the forest, respondents recommended strengthening the protection of the forest by fencing it, providing environmental education to the surrounding community, reinforcing the cooperation with the local community and planting new trees to improve the health of the forest ecosystem.

Mitigation and adaptation are the two main strategies to address climate change. Mitigation and adaptation have been considered separately in the global negotiations as well as literature. There is a realization on the need to explore and promote synergy between mitigation and adaptation while addressing climate change. In this paper, an attempt is made to explore the synergy between mitigation and adaptation by considering forest sector, which on the one hand is projected to be adversely impacted under the projected climate change scenarios and on the other provide opportunities to mitigate climate change. Thus, the potential and need for incorporating adaptation strategies and practices in mitigation projects is presented with a few examples. Firstly, there is a need to ensure that mitigation programs or projects do not increase the vulnerability of forest ecosystems and plantations. Secondly, several adaptation practices could be incorporated into mitigation projects to reduce vulnerability. Further, many of the mitigation projects indeed reduce vulnerability and promote adaptation, for example; forest and biodiversity conservation, protected area management and sustainable forestry. Also, many adaptation options such as urban forestry, soil and water conservation and drought resistant varieties also contribute to mitigation of climate change. Thus, there is need for research and field demonstration of synergy between mitigation and adaptation, so that the cost of addressing climate change impacts can be reduced and co-benefits increased.

Urban air pollution anxieties, forest conservation, and farmland expropriation: State territorialization in the uplands and highlands of northern Thailand

The paper presents the design of an information system capable of assessing the various resources in the region, detecting the changes occurring in their physical extent and producing several products or reports which may be of use to resources planners and decision makers. The proposed design is capable of enabling dynamic assessments for spatial and temporal change analysis and other query based reports. The products and results can provide useful inputs to agencies involved in urban planning, environmental monitoring, forest conservation and agricultural development. The scheme, therefore, offers an insight into the design of a system for efficient planning and monitoring in the region and may serve as a prototype for a more comprehensive and operational decision support system for macro-level planning and development.

As a result of increasing demand for forest products and expanding bioeconomy uses, the relevance of forest conflicts is increasing in Europe. This study explores the distribution and occurrence of forest conflicts and their main characteristics across European countries. Conflicts usually arise when some party's interests are not considered or are not aware of the other party's measures affecting their use of the forest. A total of 84 conflicts are identified and analysed based on academic literature from the period 1999–2020, and each case is further characterised by its location, type of conflict, intensity and involved stakeholders. The location patterns show that forest conflicts mainly occur in and around urban areas, and often include urban forestry and forest conservation. Forest conflicts are mainly restrained (i.e., low-intensity) characterised by disagreements or disputes. However, several low-intensity conflicts escalate into open conflicts, of which typical actions are protests, blockades, and court actions. A minority of conflicts (N = 6) involve violent attacks, which in some cases resulted in physical exchange and death. The analysis of the conflicts' most common features results in three emerging patterns: conflict over forest protection, over development in forest areas and over recreation. Information about parties involved, forest conflict profiles, and concerns about stakeholders' involvement in planning and decision-making is often present. Effective communication, transparency of the planning process and involvement of all stakeholders are essential actions to prevent harmful high-intensity forest conflicts.