Evaluating the Multi-Functionality of Forest Ecosystems in Northern Mexico

Aregai Tecle,Gustavo Perez-Verdin,Jose Monarrez-Gonzalez,Marin Pompa-Garcia

doi:10.3390/f9040178

Abstract

Managing multiple ecosystem services is a complex task that involves special interactions among different resources, services, and stakeholders. Mexican forests have been traditionally managed for the single purpose of obtaining wood, benefiting a small sector of society. In this study, we evaluated the interactions among various ecosystem services, namely carbon content, tree diversity, surface water runoff, and the net present value of timber production. We also attempted to determine the most suitable basal area level that best satisfies the management of these services combined. Bivariate correlations, non-linear regression models, and a multiobjective decision-making technique are used to analyze the data in the study. Results indicate that trade-offs exist between surface water runoff and tree basal area. A synergistic relationship, between net present value and carbon content with basal area, was also observed. Tree diversity has a synergistic relationship with basal area in open forests, but a trade-off relationship in denser forests. The most preferred forest management level that satisfies the desired ecosystem services is between 17 and 21 m2/ha of residual basal area. We hope that adopting this multiobjective study can cement collaborative strategies among Mexican resource managers, landowners, environmental groups, and others interested in forest management.

Highlights

Ecosystem services are a set of benefits that nature provides for society, either at a specific or general level, and directly dependent on the healthy functioning of ecosystems [1,2]
They were tested to see which one of them best explained the relationship between an ecosystem service and the dasometric variables used, namely basal area, crown coverage, and volume
In regard to the four management objectives, a collinearity diagnosis detected a high correlation among the independent variables of basal area, crown coverage, and volume

Summary

Introduction

Ecosystem services are a set of benefits that nature provides for society, either at a specific or general level, and directly dependent on the healthy functioning of ecosystems [1,2]. Ecosystems like forests, grasslands, croplands, coastal zones, and urban areas offer different services to society. These include provisioning, regulating, and cultural services that directly affect people [1]. The traditional approach to forest management, based primarily on timber production, does not consider the inclusion of regulating and cultural services, as well as their interactions. This single-objective management eventually leads to the degradation of some forest services, such as water flow regulation, soil erosion control, and biodiversity protection, among others [6,7,8]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion