Abstract
Using a diverse assemblage of suitable species for reforestation is necessary to enhance biodiversity and ensure resilient forest ecosystems. However, selection of diverse native species for reforestation is difficult, requiring consideration of the preferences of different stakeholders. In this study we identify species to be included in reforestation of an ecologically important watershed in North Lebanon based on ratings produced by stakeholders from Lebanon’s public, private and academic sectors. Twenty-two tree species being produced in Lebanese nurseries were identified as ecologically suitable by experts. Stakeholders (n = 34) were asked to rate these 22 species according to conservation priority and ecological suitability in an online survey. Although there was a high degree of variability in ratings among respondents, those who identified as biodiversity-focused did not differ from those who identified as forestry-focused. Looking within the two foci, we found significant variability among forestry-focused respondents but not among biodiversity-focused respondents. Although there was no significant difference in ratings between biodiversity- and forestry-focussed respondents, the resultant rankings differed considerably. We also found significant variability in preferences within forestry-focussed but not biodiversity-focussed respondents. Weighting by respondents’ knowledge of species had little effect on rankings. The variability in preferences between stakeholders, including the considerable within-group variability we found among forestry-focused respondents, highlights the importance of soliciting preferences from multiple stakeholders when selecting species to be used in reforestation efforts.
Highlights
Species used in restoration are often chosen to meet short term objectives, such as mitigating on-site degradation
Stakeholder preferences for species may vary by subjective tastes and the extent of knowledge individuals have about the species and their ecology
We aim to complement this research by eliciting the preferences of national reforestation stakeholders who are potential ‘buyers’ of payments for ecosystem services (PES) schemes designed to diversify native species used in reforestation
Summary
Species used in restoration are often chosen to meet short term objectives, such as mitigating on-site degradation (de Baets et al 2009). Selecting hardier and more adaptable species that are readily available (or easy to produce) can be a more cost-effective means of meeting some of these objectives. This may be detrimental to local biodiversity if the species selected are exotic, potentially invasive, or a very restricted set of native species (Le Maitre et al 2011). Stakeholders involved in restoration or other conservation measures often face difficult trade-offs between social, economic and ecological objectives (Visser et al 2011). Despite recent efforts to address these policy needs in Lebanon, engaging stakeholder participation in forestry and natural resource management issues has been challenging due to institutional divisions and lack of oversight, compounded by years of sociopolitical instability (Sarkissian et al 2017)
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