Optimal harvest scheduling in Eucalyptus plantations under a sustainability perspective

Abstract

In this study, we proposed a sequential procedure under a multi-criteria framework to address sustainable management in industrial forest plantations. Firstly, a timber harvest scheduling model consistent with multiple objectives identified in the forest management plans for these plantations was formulated. After this, a set of sustainability indicators was identified and briefly described. Next, several management alternatives were generated. Then, the management alternatives were assessed in terms of the sustainability indicators’ values, and ranked according to a goal programming methodology by which the different indicators are properly aggregated. Finally, different priority rankings were obtained, which could represent potential preferences of the decision maker. The procedure was applied to a Eucalyptus globulus Labill. plantation in northwestern Spain. The results showed the validity of this approach, thus deriving the most sustainable management alternative under each scenario. Furthermore, this methodology allows consideration of different preferential weights for the sustainability indicators previously defined.