Empowering Women on Bamboo Utilization and Conservation in the Lake Toba Catchment Area of the North Sumatra Province of Indonesia

Abstract: A decision support system for sustainable water resources management in a water conflict resolution framework is developed to identify and evaluate a range of acceptable alternatives for the Geum River Basin in Korea and to facilitate strategies that will result in sustainable water resource management. Working with stakeholders in a “shared vision modeling” framework, sustainable management strategies are created to illustrate system tradeoffs as well as long‐term system planning. A multi‐criterion decision‐making (MCDM) approach using subjective scales is utilized to evaluate the complex water resource allocation and management tradeoffs between stakeholders and system objectives. The procedures used in this study include the development of a “shared vision model,” a simulated decision‐making support system (as a tool for sustainable water management strategies associated with water conflicts, management options, and planning criteria), and the application of MCDM techniques for evaluating alternatives provided by the model. The research results demonstrate the utility of the sustainable water resource management model in aid of MCDM techniques in facilitating flexibility during initial stages of alternative identification and evaluation in a basin suffering from severe water conflicts.

The coastal area of Pelita Jaya Bay and Kotania Bay is a semi enclose estuary area having three typical most productive ecosystems i.e. mangrove, seagrasses, and coral reefs with the mangrove ecosystem being the dominant one making this area a productive in fish resources. Local community neighboring this area used mangrove ecosystem for many different purposes, some of it threatening the sustainability oh the ecosystem. The objective of this study was to analyze mangrove forest sustainability and to propose sustainable mangrove forest management. Rapfish analysis was used to analyze mangrove sustainability status. A sustainable management strategy was developed using a conceptual model framework combined with the DPSIR approach. The two most sensitive attributes affecting mangrove sustainability from Leverage analysis were used as the State component from DPSIR. The result shows that overall mangrove forest sustainability was 60% and was considered fair sustain with the ecological dimension having the highest sustainable scale (85.35%) and considered sustain, whilst institutional dimension having the lowest sustainable scale (29.10%) and considered unsustain. The sustainable mangrove management strategy proposed consists of workshops, training, vocational education concerning EAM, as well as replanting degraded mangrove forests, monitoring, surveying, and controlling. The management strategy should be conducted based on a co-management approach.
 
 Keywords: Mangrove forest, local community, sustainability, conceptual model framework, Kotania Bay

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum graminicola remains the most important foliar disease of sorghum in West and Central Africa. This paper describes the advances made in sorghum anthracnose research that has led to a better understanding of pathogenic and genotypic diversity, epidemiology and important disease management strategies. We further highlight how understanding pathogen diversity interplays with the major sustainable anthracnose management strategies such as the use of host plant resistance and crop residue management within the region.

For nearly 30 y, cropland on the North China Plain (NCP) has been irrigated primarily by pumping groundwater with no sustainable management strategy. This has caused a continuous decline of the water table. A sustainable groundwater management and irrigation strategy must be established in order to prevent further decline of the water table; to do this, one must quantify soil water content and daily rates of deep percolation and locate evapotranspiration from irrigated cropland. For that purpose, we developed a three‐layer soil–water balance (SWB) model based on an approach described by Kendy et al. (2003). In this model, the unsaturated soil zone is divided into three layers: a surface active layer, a middle active soil layer, and a lowest passive soil layer. The middle and the lowest layers dynamically change with the development of crop rooting depth. A simple “tipping bucket” routine and an exponential equation are used to redistribute soil water in the three soil layers. The actual evapotranspiration estimated is partitioned into soil evaporation and crop transpiration using a dual crop coefficient reference approach. At first, the model was calibrated using data obtained from five deficiently irrigated field plots located at an experimental site in the NCP between 1998 and 2003. Then, the model was validated by comparing estimated soil water contents with measured ones at three other plots with nondeficient irrigation. The estimates of actual evapotranspiration were compared with those measured with a large‐scale weighing lysimeter (3 m2). The index of agreement (IA) for soil water contents varied between 0.62 and 0.80; the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and the root mean square error obtained from the same comparison were 0.34–0.65 and 0.043–0.074 cm3 cm–3, respectively. The rates of 10 d mean evapotranspiration estimated by the model show a good fit to those measured by the large‐scale lysimeter; this is indicated by IA = 0.94 and CCC = 0.88. Our results indicate that at the irrigated cropland on the plain, deep soil water–percolation rates are usually <200 mm y–1 under nondeficient‐irrigation conditions.

Watershed hydrology comprehension is fundamental to the efficacious management of water resources and the formulation of sustainable solutions. This research used the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) to analyze the hydrological dynamics of the Genale Dawa‐3 dam watershed, to advance sustainable water management strategies. Model calibration and validation were performed using sequential uncertainty fitting (SUFI‐2) within SWAT‐CUP, and performance was assessed through various statistical measures including R2, NSE, PBIAS, and RSR. The findings demonstrated a robust correlation between observed and simulated streamflow during both the calibration and validation stages. The statistical analysis revealed that there was significant agreement between the observed and simulated streamflow in terms of R2 (0.79, 0.75), NSE (0.74, 0.72), PBIAS (−2.8, 2.1), and RSR (0.57, 0.56) during calibration and validation. Evapotranspiration was found to account for 64.66% of precipitation loss, while surface runoff, groundwater flow, and water yield were each responsible for 12.62%, 9.47%, and 32.28% of the annual water balance, respectively. A yearly water balance analysis revealed that evapotranspiration was the primary route of precipitation loss, followed by surface runoff, groundwater movement, and overall water yield. The study estimated the total water potential of the watershed to be 2.45 BMC. Notable spatial heterogeneity in water balance components was observed across subwatersheds, attributable to variations in pedological characteristics, land use/land cover patterns, topographical features, and precipitation distribution. The elucidated hydrological processes provide a robust empirical framework for water resource practitioners and policymakers to formulate and implement evidence‐based, sustainable management strategies.

Advancing groundwater vulnerability assessment in Bangladesh: a comprehensive machine learning approach

Understanding the dynamics of decomposition and release of nutrients from plant residues of different covers, in association or succession, is essential to define more sustainable management strategies in tropical soils. The objective of this study was to estimate the decomposition rates and the release of nutrients during the decomposition of different crop residues with different chemical compositions when in association (Mix) or in succession as residue management. A study was carried out with the respective treatments in a (2 × 6) + 1 factorial scheme: (a) without and with the addition ofPennisetum americanumresidue (L); and (b) six residue crops (legumes and non‐legumes) and one additional treatment with residue of millet only; with destructive samples over time (0; 0.08, 0.25 and 0.41 years after incubation). The treatments were distributed in a randomized block design with four replicates. The plant material was processed, and the contents of macro‐ and micronutrients were determined. The decomposition rates and release of nutrients from the residues were estimated by fitting nonlinear regression models. Residues of only non‐legumes, with the exception of sunflower, tend to accumulate and degrade more slowly, resulting in a slow release of nutrients to the soil. Legume residues are more easily decomposed, enabling faster delivery of the nutrients available to the soil. Despite the faster degradation of legume residues, brown hemp was more resistant to decomposition. A combined supply of legume and non‐legume residues favoured a diversified pattern of decomposition and release of nutrients among the different residues studied. The knowledge of the biochemical composition, as well as the dynamics of decomposition and release of nutrients from leguminous and non‐leguminous residues, will directly influence the management to be adopted and the functionality of the residues in the soil.HighlightsDecomposition of associated plant residues as soil fertility management strategies for tropical soil were explored.Interactions of decomposition dynamics of plant residues applied to tropical soils were investigated.The combined supply of legume/non‐legume residues favours greater decomposition and release of nutrients.Biochemical composition of plant residues directly influences the sustainable soil fertility management strategies to be adopted.

Increasing global pressure on natural capital requires sustainable solutions to ensure long-term provision of ecosystem services (ES) which have complex flow dynamics. Although the importance of ES flows has been increasingly recognized during the past years, little is known about how they will be affected by future climate and land-use changes. Here, we integrated ES flows into a scenario-based assessment framework, and evaluated it by clarifying the local and distant effects of ES flows in the Black River basin, China. The spatiotemporal variations of ES flows were investigated by considering different land policies and climate scenarios, and the drivers of ES flow variations were explored. We found increasing inter-regional ES flows toward 2100. Compared to land-use change, the intra-regional flows were more sensitive to climate change, with greater shifts of flow size and synergistic areas identified under a moderate climatic forcing scenario with sustainable management strategies. Precipitation directly affected water retention flow, yet affected flood mitigation flow both directly and indirectly through changing vegetation cover, which was the major driver of soil retention flow. Biodiversity mediated the positive effects of precipitation and vegetation cover on soil retention flow. Our study highlights the importance of embracing the spatiotemporal features of ES flows in sustainable transboundary management and adaptation strategies.

A review on biology and possible management strategies of tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae in Nepal

Context Tropical regions have exceptional biodiversity and serve as invaluable sources of natural resources, particularly wood (Krainovic et al. 2025). The vast array of tree species in these forests results in significant variations in wood properties, including colour, density, biological durability, hardness, and mechanical strength (Bessa et al. 2023). These diverse characteristics make tropical wood highly versatile, offering numerous applications in construction, manufacturing, chemicals, energy, and beyond. In this context, tropical forests supply some of the most sought-after wood species in the global market, prized for their aesthetic appeal, mechanical properties, and long-term durability – qualities that enhance their commercial value (Richardson et al. 2023). The abundance of forests in tropical regions ensures that wood remains accessible to both urban and rural populations. For centuries, it has been a primary material for construction and cooking fuel, particularly in lower-income areas where alternative materials are scarce or prohibitively expensive (Pipa and Doug 2014). The widespread reliance on wood has led to overexploitation, driven by unsustainable harvesting practices that jeopardise the long-term health of these forests. A significant consequence of this heavy dependence on wood is the alarming rate of deforestation (FAO 2022), which is further exacerbated by illegal logging activities. The unlawful extraction of valuable timber species not only accelerates forest degradation but also undermines attempts to enact legal and sustainable management strategies (Pan et al. 2024). Addressing these challenges requires a strong commitment to research and innovation aimed at promoting the sustainable utilisation of tropical forest resources. Achieving a balance between forest resources demand and forest conservation is essential for ensuring the viability of these ecosystems for future generations. Emphasising technological advancements, enhancing resource efficiency, and adopting responsible forestry practices can help mitigate environmental impacts while creating economic opportunities for local communities. By integrating sustainability into forest management strategies, a harmonious relationship between economic development and long-term ecological preservation can be achieved. In this sense, the primary objective of the International Conference on Tropical Wood (ICTW 2024) conference was to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices that integrate the productive utilisation of wood with the sustainable use of tropical forest resources. The target audience was professors, researchers, students, ministries, and industry professionals. The event aimed to inspire further research and innovations that would enable tropical forests to meet human needs while maintaining the integrity of these vital ecosystems. This conference was organized by the IUFRO (International Union of Forest Research Organizations), in collaboration with the École Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques and its local academic and institutional partners. As described in figure 1, the conference addressed four main themes: (i) Tropical wood identification and traceability; (ii) Wood usage in construction across tropical countries; (iii) Wood energy in tropical countries; and (iv) Tropical non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Organisation and objectives of the International Conference on Tropical Wood (ICTW 2024) The ICTW 2024 conference was scheduled from the 26th to the 28th of August 2024 in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. It included invited keynotes, voluntary papers, round-table discussions, and field visits. The language of the conference and its publications was English. The conference was organised by the Research Group 5.01.00 “Wood and Fibre Quality” of the IUFRO (International Union of Forest Research Organizations), in collaboration with the École Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques and the École Supérieure Polytechnique d’Antananarivo of the University of Antananarivo, the École Supérieure Polytechnique d’Antsiranana of the University of Antsiranana, the Institut Supérieur de Technologie Antananarivo, the Centre National de Formation des Techniciens Forestiers Angavokely, and the University of Edinburgh, under the patronage of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development. The conference was attended by 106 people (figure 2) from 10 countries, including 4 invited keynotes, 60 voluntary papers and posters, a round-table discussion with local industries and ministries, and a field visit to Mandraka Saha Maintsoanala community forest, approximately 60 km from the capital (figure 3). All presentations were held live and on-site. The scientific program committee believes the selected articles provide a comprehensive overview of the conference’s four following themes: Tropical wood identification and traceability Accurate identification of wood species is essential for sustainable logging practices, as it helps ensure that only specific tree species are harvested, leaving others untouched to preserve biodiversity (Dormontt et al. 2015). Additionally, wood identification is crucial for tracking products along the supply chain, ensuring they are sourced from legal and sustainable origins (Raobelina et al. 2023; Tonouéwa et al. 2024). This session highlighted recent advancements in wood identification methods and traceability systems, focusing on the development of databases and technologies that can support these practices (figure 4). By enhancing wood identification, the industry can better manage resources and improve the sustainability of wood supply chains. Wood usage in construction across tropical countries Wood is widely used in construction across tropical regions, particularly in rural areas where access to other materials is limited. While some examples of tropical wood used in modern multi-story buildings exist (Murphy and Smallwood 2024), most constructions are still traditional, often using wood inefficiently or inadequately (Taleb et al. 2023). The choice of wood species and construction methods is influenced by factors such as material availability, cultural traditions, technical knowledge, and economic considerations. This session discussed the challenges and opportunities related to using wood sustainably in construction, particularly in tropical climates. Key topics included designing wood-based structures suitable for high humidity, heavy rainfall, termites, and other climate-related challenges, as well as improving wood preservation techniques and exploring alternative materials such as bamboo. Wood energy in tropical countries In many tropical countries, firewood and charcoal remain the primary sources of energy for cooking, particularly in rural areas where access to modern energy is limited. This widespread use of traditional fuels contributes significantly to deforestation (Randriamalala et al. 2017; Sedano et al. 2021). To address this, it is essential to improve technologies that reduce reliance on wood-based fuels and promote the use of alternative energy sources. This session focused on innovations in carbonisation techniques, the use of improved cookstoves, improvements in wood energy conversion technologies, and the exploration of alternative fuels such as green charcoal. It also discussed strategies for enhancing wood energy production through sustainable plantation management. Tropical non-timber forest products (NTFPs) Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have become increasingly important in tropical economies, as they offer an alternative to timber and contribute to the livelihoods of local populations (Ramananantoandro et al. 2013; Shackleton and de Vos 2022). This session focused on the latest advancements in the processing and commercialisation of NTFPs. By creating value-added products from these resources, NTFPs can provide financial benefits to communities while reducing pressure on timber resources. Presentations covered a wide range of NTFPs (essential oils, barks, resins, fruits, and more) and their applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals, highlighting their potential for both sustainable forest management and economic development. Strong relationship with the Research Group “Wood and Fibre Quality” of the IUFRO The IUFRO is a global network of forest scientists and researchers focused on advancing knowledge and research related to forests, trees, and their sustainable management. Established in 1892, the IUFRO aims to foster international cooperation among forestry researchers and institutions, promote scientific knowledge, and support the development of sustainable forest management practices worldwide. The IUFRO brings together a wide range of forest-related research disciplines, from ecology to economics, and engages in initiatives that address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and forest health. It organises conferences, workshops, and collaborates with governments, organisations, and stakeholders in the forestry sector to promote evidence-based policy and practices. The organisation’s activities are structured around research groups and working parties that focus on specific areas of forest science, such as wood quality, forest restoration, forest carbon dynamics, and more. Through this collaboration, the IUFRO contributes to global forest sustainability by sharing knowledge and research findings, and fostering innovation in forest science. The Research Group “Wood and Fibre Quality” of the IUFRO, part of the conference organisers, is dedicated to exploring various aspects of wood science, from its formation and structure to its processing and end-use properties. This group aims to deepen the understanding of the fundamental characteristics of wood, which are crucial for its sustainable utilisation. Through research on how environmental conditions, silvicultural practices, and genetics affect wood properties, the group seeks to improve wood and fibre quality for a wide range of applications. The group sponsors regional and international events, including technical meetings, training sessions, workshops, and symposia, which foster communication and collaboration among global experts. The goal of these activities is to share the latest developments in wood science and enhance the quality of research across borders. The Research Group currently has five Working Parties: Wood quality modelling Tree-ring analysis Understanding wood variability Non-destructive evaluation of wood and wood-based materials Fundamental properties of wood and woodbased materials ICTW conference papers published in Bois et Forêts des Tropiques The journal Bois et Forêts des Tropiques (BFT) from the CIRAD publisher was a partner of the conference by being a member of its Scientific Committee. This partnership offers an opportunity to publish a full-length manuscript in a special issue of the Bois et Forêts de Tropiques journal, showcasing notable contributions presented during the conference. Articles in the framework of this special issue will be continuously published in the form of dossiers, inserting them in the table of contents of each following issue. They will be identified with the conference logos. The first article from the ICTW is included in this present issue (BFT N° 361). The article from Ramilison et al. (2024) (figure 5) deals with a comparative analysis of charcoal produced by three carbonisation methods in Madagascar. This research is issued from a PhD thesis work (doctoral student and his supervisors), representing a great example of the ICTW scientific theme “Wood energy in tropical countries”. Acknowledgments The authors thank the ForesTIA project funded by the UK Royal Academy of Engineering, the journal Bois et Forêts des Tropiques published by CIRAD, Global Biodiversity Framework Implementation / Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Madagascar, the #DigitAg project supported by a public grant overseen by the French National Research Agency (ANR) as part of the “Investissements d’avenir” program (ANR-16-CONV-0004), DP Forêts & Biodiversité, Groupe de Recherche (GDR) Sciences du Bois, G3D2 project funded by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros, Biodev Consulting Madagascar, ACEP Madagascar S.A., TELMA Madagascar, Hazovato, Les Scieries du Betsileo, and Tropical Wood, for their support in organizing the conference.

Environmental issues are a ubiquitous but vague concept. Understanding these problems' nature and how anthropogenic actions contribute to them is essential. At present, it is possible to identify many environmental issues on different scales in the world and Sri Lanka. Therefore, this research mainly aimed to identify the main environmental issues and the appropriacy of adapted management strategies in Egoda Guruwala GN Division in Sri Lanka. Interviews and field observations were used as the main data collection method. The ranking method was used to identify the most prominent issues, and the results were interpreted using Problem Tree analysis. Further, it investigates the strengths and weaknesses of the management strategies in a qualitative methodological approach. The results found that there are five main environmental problems, [1] soil erosion and land degradation, [2] deforestation, [3] environmental pollution, [4] invasive species spreading, and [5] other problems. The study found different management strategies such as planting trees, trenching in sloped areas, raising awareness, using the popper waste disposal method, properly implementing the rules, and composting the carbonic waste. However, the study found another environmental issue due to unsustainable management strategies. As a rural area, the community already has the potential to use sustainable environment management strategies to reduce the environmental issues that may arise in the future. Even so, lack of accountability and ignorance may cause on developing the current situation. Therefore, this study enables us to identify the possible management strategies that may take at a domestic and community level to control and minimize the future environmental issues in the study area.

Transportation sector has a critical impact on the energy system and sustainable development. In this study, a stochastic fractional transportation-energy system planning model (SFP-LR) is developed for identification of sustainable system management strategies under uncertainties. Based on a hybrid of stochastic programming and fractional programming techniques, the proposed method can systematically reflect multiple complexities in such a management system. It can not only optimize the transportation energy consumption represented as output/input ratios, but also handle imprecise uncertainties in terms of left-hand-side random variables for examining the reliability of satisfying the constraints. The SFP-LR model is applied to support regional transportation-energy planning for demonstrating effectiveness of the developed approach. The solutions obtained from the SFP-LR approach can provide optimal transportation system planning schemes for regional CO₂ emission control towards sustainable management under multiple complexities. It is also indicated that transport structure and management measures have important impacts on transportation energy consumption.

Abstract. Ihsan M, Irawan B, Iskandar J. 2024. The traditional ecological knowledge of the local people of Cijambu Village, Sumedang, Indonesia, on the diversity, utilization, management, and conservation of bamboo. Biodiversitas 25: 1754-1770. Bamboos have been known to play an important role in the socio-economic, cultural, and ecological benefits of rural people in West Java. However, many bamboo gardens have been converted to other land-use types, including commercial vegetable gardens. The study aimed to record local people's Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Cijambu, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia, regarding the diversity, utilization, management, and conservation of ethnobotany and bamboo. The mixed method, combining approaches with an ethnobotanical perspective, was employed in this study through semi-structured and structured interviews with informants. The study results showed a diversity of bamboo landraces with six types of bamboo identified by the community: Awi Tali (Gigantochloa apus), Awi Gombong/Awi Surat (Gigantochloa verticillata), Awi Temen (Gigantochloa atter), Awi Bitung (Dendrocalamus asper), Haur Héjo (Bambusa vulgaris var. vulgaris), and Haur Konéng (Bambusa vulgaris var. striata). Bamboo has 41 uses: 3 ecological uses, 32 economic uses, and 6 socio-cultural uses. Bamboo management involves maintaining and transforming bamboo gardens into mixed gardens, combining vegetables and coffee plants to increase income. Community conservation efforts involve selective logging to ensure the sustainability and regeneration of bamboo. The conservation process is influenced by cultural beliefs and myths, such as refraining from cutting or taking bamboo on Fridays. Bamboo people believe in Tolak Bala, which uses Haur Konéng bamboo.

In 2000, Mozambique was hit by widespread flooding that affected some 4.5 million people and cost approximately 20% of the country's gross domestic product. In a large, sparsely populated country such as Mozambique, a structural approach to flood risk management cannot be justified on environmental and economic grounds. As a consequence, flood mitigation measures need to focus on nonstructural solutions, such as reducing vulnerability to flooding and improving preparedness. This paper details the development of sustainable flood risk management strategies and the production of educational tools to reduce rural communities' vulnerability to flooding. The tools, which were developed in partnership with local stakeholders, included a Source Book on sustainable flood risk management strategies, a series of posters, a manual and a card game aimed at improving schoolchildren's flood preparedness. These tools were piloted in partnership with three rural communities in the Limpopo River basin in order to develop sustainable flood risk management strategies.

Current knowledge and future prospects on the declining Uvaria chamae P. Beauv. in sub-Saharan Africa: A global systematic review for its sustainable management