Indicators to guide management for multiple forest use.

Abstract

AbstractWithin the lifetime of the latest generation of trees, important changes have occurred in the utilization of many forests, as well as in their physical and chemical environment - especially if they are growing in polluted areas. Current management for forest production and nature conservation often does not take these changes into account. In this chapter, an improved concept for multiple (multifunctional) forest use, with guidelines for its implementation, is presented. A classification scheme for indicators to describe and evaluate changes in ecosystems is outlined, and an extended critical loads concept is suggested. The concept of multifunctional forest use includes four primary elements of forest functioning: regulation of matter and energy, habitat conservation, production and use of resources, and cultural and social role. It is based on the ecological principles of minimization of waste, symbiosis, diversity, and a high level of elasticity, stability and resilience. It aims to provide a basis for sustainable forest management. The scheme proposed to classify indicators is built on integrative ecosystem theory, based on processes in forest ecosystems, and considers a hierarchy of different indicators. Simple analytical indicators (measurable, non-evaluating, i.e. providing little basis for assessing the reasons for or importance of change), compound indicators (measurable, non-evaluating), system indicators (cannot be measured directly, non-evaluating) and normative indicators (evaluating) are described. The extended critical loads concept presented here relates to significant changes in the functioning and use of forests. It consists of critical amounts of material input (loads), critical levels of forest operations, critical states and functions, and critical amounts of loss from terrestrial ecosystems. This concept includes site properties as an important factor affecting ecosystem and landscape responses and considers time as an important variable. Adherence to the static evaluation of site factors either in forestry or in nature conservation is unlikely to be useful. The concept presented in this chapter provides a framework for the development and evaluation of indicators which reflect the dynamic nature of site factors, and change in the functioning and vitality of forest ecosystems.