Forest Area Research Articles

Genomic analyses revealed low genetic variation in the intron-exon boundary of the doublesex gene within the natural populations of An. gambiae s.l. in Burkina Faso

BackgroundThe recent success of a population control gene drive targeting the doublesex gene in Anopheles gambiae paved the way for developing self-sustaining and self-limiting genetic control strategies targeting the sex determination pathway to reduce and/or distort the reproductive capacity of insect vectors. However, targeting these genes for genetic control requires a better understanding of their genetic variation in natural populations to ensure effective gene drive spread. Using whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from the Ag1000G project (Ag3.0, 3.4 and 3.8), and Illumina pooled amplicon sequencing, we investigated the genetic polymorphism of the intron-4–exon-5 boundary of the doublesex gene in the natural populations of An. gambiae sensu lato (s.l.).ResultsThe analyses showed a very low variant density at the gRNA target sequence of the Ag(QFS)1 gene drive (previously called dsxFCRISPRh) within the populations of West and East Africa. However, populations from the forest area in Central Africa exhibited four SNP at frequencies ranging from 0.011 to 0.26. The SNP (2R:48714641[C > T]) at high frequencies, i.e. 0.26 is identified within the An. coluzzii population from Angola. The analyses also identified 90 low frequency (1 − 5%) SNPs in the genomic region around the gRNA target sequence (intron-4–exon-5 boundary). Three of these SNPs (2R:48714472 A > T; 2R:48714486 C > A; 2R:48714516 C > T) were observed at frequencies higher than 5% in the UTR region of the doublesex gene. The results also showed a very low variant density and constant nucleotide diversity over a five-year survey in natural An. gambiae s.l. populations of Burkina Faso.ConclusionThese findings will guide the implementation of doublesex-targeted gene drives to support the current control tools in malaria elimination efforts. Our methods can be applied to efficiently monitor the evolution of any sequence of interest in a natural population via pooled amplicon sequencing, surpassing the need for WGS.

Global Warming and Landscape Fragmentation Drive the Adaptive Distribution of Phyllostachys edulis in China

Global warming and landscape fragmentation significantly affect the spatial distribution pattern of bamboo forests. This study used high-resolution data and an optimized MaxEnt model to predict the distribution of Phyllostachys edulis in China under current and future climatic conditions in three climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP370, SSP585), and analyzed its land use landscape fragmentation using landscape indices. The results indicate that Phyllostachys edulis currently has potentially suitable habitats majorly distributed in East China, Southwest China, and Central South China. The precipitation of the driest month (BIO14) and the precipitation seasonality (BIO15) are the key environmental factors affecting the distribution of Phyllostachys edulis. In the next three scenarios, the adaptive distribution area of Phyllostachys edulis is generally expanding. With an increase in CO2 concentration, the adaptive distribution of Phyllostachys edulis in the 2050s migrates towards the southeast direction, and in the 2070s, the suitable habitat of Phyllostachys edulis migrates northward. In the suitable habitat area of Phyllostachys edulis, cropland and forests are the main land use types. With the passage of time, the proportion of forest area in the landscape pattern of the high-suitability area for Phyllostachys edulis continues to increase. Under SSP370 and SSP585 scenarios, the cropland in the Phyllostachys edulis high-suitability area gradually becomes fragmented, leading to a decrease in the distribution of cropland. In addition, it is expected that the landscape of high-suitability areas will become more fragmented and the quality of the landscape will decline in the future. This research provides a scientific basis for understanding the response of Phyllostachys edulis to climate change, and also provides theoretical guidance and data support for the management and planning of bamboo forest ecosystems, which will help in managing bamboo forest resources rationally and balancing carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.

Estimating CO2 flows in urban parks: knowns and unknowns

The life cycle climate impacts of urban parks are poorly known. Whereas vegetation and soils can be carbon sinks, building products, energy use, and processes cause emissions. Several studies acknowledge the need for further assessment of urban parks, especially regarding vegetation, soil organic carbon, management and design, together with the development of supportive tools for climate-wise planning. To deepen our understanding of carbon flows of urban parks, we applied life cycle assessment (LCA) and studied the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and removals of five urban parks in Helsinki, Finland. The components of the parks were divided into four categories: site preparation, covering and surface structures, vegetation and growing media, and systems and installations. According to our findings, CO2 emissions ranged from 27.08 to 61.45 kgCO2e/m2 and CO2 removals from 11.35 to 16.23 kgCO2e/m2 with uncertainty. Planted woody vegetation and existing forested areas had the highest CO2 uptake among the vegetation types. Moreover, growing media caused on average 35% of total CO2 emissions. As significant volumes of growing media remain necessary to support the growth and establishment of plantings, finding less emission intensive alternatives to peat-based growing medium becomes essential. Other main emissions sources included transportation, and replacements of surface materials, but their dominance is highly dependent on the design, use and maintenance of the park. LCA offers a robust assessment framework for the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions and is evolving towards the including of greenhouse gas removals and storages. However, the inclusion of living organisms would require changes in the mindset of LCA. The level of maturity in the assessment methods differs significantly between the park components. Data and methods are especially lacking for nursery production, maintenance and end-of-life phases of vegetation, soils, and mulches. We also identified uncertainties regarding the estimations of CO2 uptake by woody vegetation, lawns, and meadows due to software limitations and lack of data for local context. Simulating dynamic plantings raises additional questions, together with the forecast of accurate meteorological conditions of a changing climate. This research highlights the need for more holistic life cycle assessment of urban parks to inform low-carbon landscape industries.

Dynamics in Land Cover and Landscape Patterns of Myanmar: A Three-Decade Perspective (1990–2020)

A comprehensive scientific assessment of the dynamic changes in land cover and landscape patterns in Myanmar, considering both human activities and natural factors such as climate change, is essential for a thorough understanding of the transformations in the country’s ecological environment. This assessment also provides data-driven insights into the complex interactions between humans, climate, and the environment. This study aims to examine the dynamic changes in land cover in Myanmar over a thirty-year period from a comprehensive perspective. This paper, based on the MLC30 land cover dataset for Myanmar from 1990 to 2020, employs land use dynamic degree and land use transition matrix to analyze the extent and process of land cover changes in Myanmar. Furthermore, using landscape pattern indicators, the paper explores the changes in the spatial structural characteristics of land cover in Myanmar at both the patch scale and the landscape scale. The results indicate the following: (a) Areas with significant land cover changes are primarily located in the eastern, southeastern, and southwestern regions bordering China, Laos, and Thailand, as well as the coastal areas, with the change intensity from 2000 to 2020 being notably higher than before 2000. (b) Myanmar’s cultivated land, artificial surfaces, and water bodies show an expanding trend, with cultivated land expansion mainly at the expense of forests, while the increase in artificial surfaces and water bodies is through the conversion of the existing cultivated land. (c) Myanmar’s landscape patterns remained stable from 1990 to 2000. However, after 2000, the land cover has shown a clear trend towards fragmentation and spatial distribution dispersion, especially for the dominant forest and cultivated land types. Despite Myanmar’s rapid economic development, the trend toward the fragmentation and irregularization of cultivated land patches indicates a lack of attention to cultivated land use and planning. The reduction and fragmentation of forest areas have led to a decline in ecological connectivity, posing risks of ecological environment deterioration. Consequently, Myanmar must prioritize scientific land use planning and the rational allocation of land resources to foster the sustainable development of agriculture and the protection of natural ecosystems.

Mapping Windthrow Severity as Change in Canopy Cover in a Temperate Eucalypt Forest

Storm events are significant disturbance agents that can cause considerable forest damage through windthrow. Assessment and mapping of the extent and severity of windthrow is critical to provide reliable information to forest managers to prioritize post-storm hazard reduction (including public safety and fire risk) and to guide restoration activities. Detailed on-ground assessments after windthrow are often impossible due to lack of access and safety concerns. In 2021, severe windstorms caused unprecedented and extensive windthrow in a temperate eucalypt forest in south-eastern Australia. The purpose of this study is to quantify the severity and extent of the damaged forest area as the change in percentage canopy cover using remotely sensed data. We assessed percentage canopy cover from high-resolution aerial images of 455 randomly selected plots in disturbed and undisturbed areas to train a model and machine learning framework to predict landscape scale canopy cover from Sentinel-2 images. A random forest model using all single bands and percentiles best predicted the canopy cover (R2 = 0.69). Sentinel-2 images were then used to predict canopy cover pre- and post-windthrow to assess and map the severity of windthrow as the change in percentage canopy cover. Of the total 63,471 ha of forest area assessed, 63% (39,987 ha) was impacted by windthrow, with 46% at low severity (<30% canopy cover loss), 11% at moderate (30–50% canopy cover loss) and 6% at high severity (>50% canopy cover loss). Our study provides the first quantitative mapping of windthrow severity mapping for a temperate eucalypt forest in Australia that demonstrates an effective remote assessment methodology and provides critical information to support post-windthrow management decisions.

Ecosystem Services Trade-Offs in the Chaohu Lake Basin Based on Land-Use Scenario Simulations

Amid global environmental degradation, understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics and trade-offs of ecosystem services (ESs) under varying land-use scenarios is critical for advancing the sustainable development of social–ecological systems. This study analyzed the Chaohu Lake Basin (CLB), focusing on four scenarios: natural development (ND), economic priority (ED), ecological protection (EP), and sustainable development (SD). Using the PLUS model and multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA), land-use changes for 2030 were simulated, and their effects on ESs were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. The ND scenario led to significant declines in cropland (3.73%) and forest areas (0.18%), primarily due to construction land expansion. The EP scenario curbed construction land growth, promoted ecosystem recovery, and slightly increased cropland by 0.05%. The SD scenario achieved a balance between ecological and economic goals, maintaining relative stability in ES provision. Between 2010 and 2020, construction land expansion, mainly concentrated in central Hefei City, led to a marked decline in habitat quality (HQ) and landscape aesthetics (LA), whereas water yield (WY) and soil retention (SR) improved. K-means clustering analysis identified seven ecosystem service bundles (ESBs), revealing significant spatial heterogeneity. Bundles 4 through 7, concentrated in mountainous and water regions, offered high biodiversity maintenance and ecological regulation. In contrast, critical ES areas in the ND and ED scenarios faced significant encroachment, resulting in diminished ecological functions. The SD scenario effectively mitigated these impacts, maintaining stable ES provision and ESB distribution. This study highlights the profound effects of different land-use scenarios on ESs, offering insights into sustainable planning and ecological restoration strategies in the CLB and comparable regions.

Reaching Forest Workers with Yellow Fever Vaccine Through Engagement of the Private Sector in Central African Republic

Background/Objectives: Yellow fever (YF) outbreaks continue to affect populations that are not reached by routine immunization services, such as workers at a high risk of occupational exposure to YF. In the Central African Republic (CAR), YF cases were detected in districts characterized by the presence of workers in forest areas. We developed an innovative approach based on a local partnership with private companies of the extractive industry to administer YF vaccine to workers in remote areas during the response to an outbreak. Methods: The planning stage of the campaign included the mapping of forestry and mining companies through the involvement of national and/or local representatives of companies from both the formal and informal sectors. Information sessions and mobilization targeted the heads of operating companies. Advanced and mobile strategies were used to target workers on their work site. Companies provided logistical support including transportation and communication and set up temporary vaccination posts. Results: Using this local partnership, it was possible to vaccinate over 70,000 workers (5.8% of the entire vaccinated population) in hard-to-reach areas, protecting them from YF. This represented around 47% of the estimated number of workers and dependents. The partnership with the private sector also contributed to increasing knowledge on the risk of YF and means of protection among a high-risk community. Conclusions: Private companies represent potentially useful actors that can contribute to the protection of high-risk workers and to the prevention and control YF outbreaks. The experience in the CAR has demonstrated that it is possible to obtain support from private companies, including informal ones, for a vaccination campaign.

Edge cases: fragmentation and ecosystem processes in temperate forest landscapes

Temperate forests are the most fragmented forest biome, yet current understanding of fragmentation effects on ecosystem processes, such as carbon (C) cycling, is rooted in tropical forest research. We review the effects of persistent fragmentation on temperate forest ecosystem processes and quantify the extent to which the US national forest inventory and land‐cover maps represent forest edge area. We found systematic underrepresentation of forest edges across all methods. As compared with very high resolution (1 m) maps, conventional 30‐m resolution forest cover maps underestimated forest edge area by 16.4%, on average. Accounting for all forest edge area and edge effects on forest structure and growth resulted in a 14.8% median increase in aboveground forest C estimates, with 23.8% and 74.2% increases in agriculturally and urban dominated counties, respectively. We conclude by proposing improvements to forest inventories, maps, and models to better represent the fragmented temperate forest landscape.

A 30-Year Analysis of Forest Cover and Land Surface Temperature in Attapeu Province, Lao PDR

Changing forest areas can have a complex range of impacts on ground temperatures, from increasing temperatures due to loss of shade to creating drier and hotter local climate environments. This study aims to identify spatiotemporal changes in forest cover and retrieve land surface temperature (LST) using thermal infrared sensor (TIRS) data in Attapeu province, Lao PDR from 1994 to 2024. Geographic information system (GIS) techniques were employed to extract spatiotemporal changes in land use and land cover (LULC) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The analysis of LULC change revealed a notable decrease of 18.43% in dense forest areas, accompanied by an increase of 7.87% in sparse forest and 11.35% in cropland, indicating a transition from dense forest to sparse forest and cropland for the study area. The analysis of LST utilizing TIRS revealed a consistent negative correlation with NDVI. The coefficient of determination (R2) indicated values of 0.5896 in 1994, 0.5691 in 2009, and 0.4344 in 2024. By correlating remotely-sensed thermal data with in situ observations, this research delineated the prolonged alterations in LST due to fluctuations in forest cover. The urgency of enacting policies is underscored to mitigate the ongoing loss of forest cover. These findings emphasize the need for immediate policy actions, such as enhanced forest conservation and reforestation programs, to mitigate rising temperatures and ensure ecological sustainability in Attapeu province. The insights garnered from this investigation hold significant implications for the conservation endeavors aimed at preserving the forests of Attapeu province.

Vertebrate diversity and biomass along a recovery gradient in a lowland tropical forest

AbstractDeforestation of tropical forests have resulted in extensive areas of secondary forests with the potential to restore biodiversity to former old‐growth forest levels. The recovery of vertebrate communities is an essential component of biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, as vertebrates provide key ecosystem functions. However, little is known about the recovery trajectories and habitat preferences of vertebrates in tropical landscapes with differing land‐use legacies. We used camera traps covering 3 weeks to study the activity of ground‐based mammals and birds in the understory of 57 sites along a forest recovery gradient, ranging from active agriculture, such as pastures and cacao plantations, to naturally recovering forests and old‐growth forests in the Chocó rainforest in north‐western Ecuador. Our results show that diversity and biomass of wild vertebrates are highest in old‐growth forests and late recovery stages, while for domestic vertebrates, these indices are highest in agricultural land. Additionally, while species‐habitat networks showed low habitat specificity for vertebrate species, an indicator species analysis found no species to indicate old‐growth forests, Dasyprocta punctata and Tayassu pecari to indicate all forest types, and Aramides wolfi and Pecari tajacu to indicate late regeneration forests. We suggest that these patterns are caused by a high habitat connectivity and large amounts of remaining old‐growth forest in our study area. Our findings indicate that secondary forests have a high potential for the recovery of vertebrate species diversity and biomass to old‐growth level in lowland tropical forests with short regeneration times.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

Main Problems of Land Use in Gusar-Gonakkend Cadastral District

The work is devoted to the study of land resources of the Gusar-Gonakkend cadastral district. The analysis of the state of soil fertility and the identification of problems and causes in land use are carried out. The analysis of fund and cartographic materials on the object of study is carried out. The study revealed that the main problems in the use of the studied lands are a decrease in the forest fund and a decrease in soil fertility, an increase in salinity, and soil erosion. It was found that 53.2% (241,492 hectares) of the lands of the Gusar-Gonakkend cadastral district are eroded, of which 41.7% (100,702 hectares) are slightly eroded, 30.8% (74,380 hectares) are moderately eroded, and 27.5% (66,410 hectares) are heavily eroded. The area of forests in the study area is 49,111 hectares, i.e., 10.81% of the total area. Unsystematic logging and failure to establish new forests have led to a significant reduction of 48.9% (19,741 ha). The fertility of the lands of the Gusar-Gonakkend cadastral region has decreased as a result of intensive use in agriculture. 16.92% of the lands of group I, 51.88% of the lands of group II, and 27.69% of the lands of group III are used for arable land. 2.2% (10,000 ha) of the area of the study territory is subject to alkalinization.

EVOLUÇÃO DE C-CO<sub>2</sub> EM SOLOS DE DIFERENTES ECOSSISTEMAS NA REGIÃO DO ALTO ACRE, ACRE, BRASIL

Different studies, developed over the years, have shown that the increase in human activities on the soil can influence the release of gases related to the increase in the greenhouse effect. In this sense, the use of methods that evaluate the evolution of C-CO2 has been considered as important indicators to detect changes in the environment, since they can be influenced by the crop and its cultivation system as a result of impacts on microbial activity. The objective of this work was to evaluate the release of C-CO2 from soils submitted to different ecosystems. Laboratory tests were carried out where soil samples, submitted to five different ecosystems, were collected in three different periods throughout the year in the municipalities of Brasiléia and Epitaciolândia, Alto Acre region, in the state of Acre, and were subsequently incubated. Subsequently, the evolution of C-CO2 was evaluated, and the readings were carried out periodically until the 500th day of incubation of the samples. The data were analyzed in order to evaluate the effect of different plant species on the evolution of C-CO2. Regarding the collection carried out in April, there was no difference in the evolution of C-CO2 between the areas. However, in the month of June, which comprises the period of the beginning of the transition between the rainy season and the dry season, and in the month of August, the dry season, it was observed that in the area of native forest occurred the highest values of C-CO2 flux, differing statistically from other areas within these months of collection. Between the collection times, only in the area of agroforestry system no significant differences were recorded in the evolution of C-CO2. The highest accumulated values of C-CO2 were recorded in the following sequence: native forest > agroforestry system > area with cassava > cultivated pasture > area with banana. It is concluded that the areas that present a greater contribution of plant material to the soil can serve as a stimulus to the development of microorganisms that, consequently, increase the flow of CO2, especially until the beginning of the dry season and that the absence of moisture negatively influences the emission of C-CO2, causing significant differences in the amount of release of C-CO2 between the study areas at the same time of evaluation.

Influence of War on the Forest Plantations of the Left Bank Kherson Region

Mapping burnt areas of forest plantations is needed to understand the scale of the violation and plan the post-fire activities to save the biggest artificially made forest in the world. The military actions due to the ongoing war in Ukraine complicate the monitoring by traditional and standard methods. Given the complexities of military actions, our study during this period is heavily reliant on remote sensing, marking a significant shift from traditional methods. The article is dedicated to the impact of hostilities resulting from Russian armed aggression against Ukraine on the state of forest plantations and shelterbelts of the left bank Kherson region. The research was conducted using images of Sentinel-2 L2A satellite, focusing on the study of forest burnt areas from the beginning of hostilities on the territory of the occupied Kherson region in February 2022 to March 2024. The pre-war year 2021 was used as a benchmark for comparing the state of forest plantations. Satellite images were used to generate the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Burn ratio (NBR) index to determine and monitor forest cover changes and burnt areas in forest plantations as a result of hostilities on the research territory using ArcGIS Pro. The area of study is 44 657 hectares, and the burnt area of Oleshky forest in March 2024 was 7 833 hectares (17.5 %). The conducted studies have proved the critical situation with forest plantations on the left bank of the Dnipro River within the Kherson region. This situation necessitates immediate and collaborative intervention to save the ecosystem of Oleshky forest.

МОНИТОРИНГ БИОРАЗНООБРАЗИЯ ЕЛЬНИКОВ ЕВРОПЕЙСКОЙ ЧАСТИ РОССИИ ПОСЛЕ ПРИРОДНЫХ И АНТРОПОГЕННЫХ «КАТАСТРОФ»

We analyzed the main trends of the change in the species richness of plant communities after catastrophic natural (catastrophicwindthrow, fires, large bark beetle outbreaks) and anthropogenic (clear felling) disturbances. The main factor determining the increase in species richness was the intensity of ecosystem disturbance after ca- tastrophes. The greatest disturbance was caused by clear-cut logging, when all timber was removed from the felling area by tractors. Fires also could totally destroy stands and all components of the forest ecosystem. Large- scale wind damage affected only the trees of the upper layer, while all other components of the plant communities were slightly damaged. The bark beetle outbreaks cause the death only of upper layer spruce trees, while the whole forest ecosystem remains unchanged. The degree of disturbance of stands, undergrowth, herb-dwarf scrubs layer, moss cover, litter and soil during the dieback of spruce forests as a result of ‘catastrophes’ determines the degree of vegetation recovery in disturbed areas. We studied the spruce forest in the zone of coniferous-broadleaved forests of the Moscow region, affected by an outbreak of typograph bark beetle.Dynamics of understory plant species richness was fundamentally different after stand salvage logging following beetle outbreaks and in unlogged standswith preserved deadwood. Monitor- ing observations of plant communities during 10 years on permanent sample plots revealed the main feature of the plant species succession after clear felling. For the first six years succession passed through the herb and the shrub stages with a sharp increase in species and structural diversity of plant communities. Only in the forest stage the species composition characteristic of the forest was restored. In the deadwood stand the forest communities was preserved and no differences in the dynamics of species richness of the original undisturbed forest were detected. Only dominance of species in the stand and herb-shrub layer changed. If man don't clear cut dead and wind- damaged areas of spruce forests, it will result in development of mixed forests with increased resistance to pests and forest diseases. Monocultures of spruce forests may be replaced by mixed forests, increasing the diversity of forests.

Analysis of The Urbanization Expansion Process After the Implementation of the Federal University of Fronteira Sul Campus in The City of Realeza-PR

Objective: This study uses remote sensing to map the urban expansion of Realeza-PR with the implementation of the Federal University of Fronteira Sul (UFFS) campus, and changes in land use and occupation. Theoretical Framework: Currently, 54% of the world's population is urban, with a forecast of 68% by 2050. To mitigate the impacts of urbanization, urban planning is increasingly on the agenda. Universities are important drivers of the process of physical growth and economic and social development. Method: Bibliographic sources and maps produced and processed in QGIS software were used to identify land use classes based on images from 2009, 2017 and 2024 from the RapidEye satellite. Results and Discussion: Between 2010 and 2022, there was a population increase of 17.80% in the municipality. The images showed urban expansion directed towards the south of the city, where the UFFS was installed, with, between 2009 and 2017, a reduction of 1.74 km² in forest areas and 5.67 km² in soil areas, and an increase of 1.08 km² of asphalt areas, 0.72 km² of grass and 2.15 km² of buildings. Research Implications: The study reveals the impact of the campus on the urban expansion of Realeza, highlighting the effectiveness of QGIS and satellite images for an accurate diagnosis of land use. Originality/Value: This study evaluates the impact of implementing a higher education institution on the urban development of small and medium-sized municipalities, and in the Brazilian context no similar relevant works were found.

Assessing Habitat Suitability for the Invasive Species Lantana camara on Bali Island: A Model Using the Biodiversity and Climate Change Virtual Laboratory (BCCVL)

Indonesia, known for its high biodiversity, is threatened due to alien plants that invade local plant species in forest areas. West Bali National Park is overgrown with invasive exotic plants, such as Lantana camara L., known locally as the kembang telek. The research aims to predict the distribution of L. camara using species distribution models (SDMs) and analysis variable contribution in the model featured in the biodiversity climate change virtual laboratory (BCCVL) application. L. camara distribution prediction model in Bali used the Bioclim data input by identifying areas of low, medium, and high habitat suitability. Central mountainous regions, including parts of Buleleng, Jembrana, Bangli, Karangasem, and Tabanan, show the highest suitability. Response curves demonstrated the correlation between climate variables and occurrence probability, highlighting the specific condition of rainfall and temperature ranges favoring Lantana's growth. The model showed a reliable AUC value of 0.89, indicating realibility. Potential improvements through additional environmental parameters were suggested. While L. camara has some potential benefits as a medicinal plant in Balinese culture, its invasive nature poses significant threats to native ecosystems. The predictive map offers valuable insights for authorities to implement initiative-taking strategies for preventing and controlling Lantanas spread in vulnerable areas of Bali.

The Potential Ecological Impact of Oil Palm Agroforestry as Term of Improvement for Restoring Harapan Rainforest

Around 20.000 ha of forestland in the Harapan Rainforest, Jambi Province, Indonesia, is currently under encroachment by local communities. Local communities encroach on forest land converted into oil palm plantations. Expanding oil palm plantations into forest areas led to biodiversity loss and massive carbon emissions. The annual net carbon emissions of oil palm transformation from the forest in Indonesia is around 12.41–25.83 ton-1 ha-1 year-1. Oil palm agroforestry is considered to be able to increase carbon sequestration and the biodiversity level. CRC-990/EFForTS has established an oil palm agroforestry experimental plot in Jambi Province, Indonesia, namely B11 plot. This study compares the carbon sequestration and biodiversity level between oil palm monoculture and agroforestry. The data collected in this study was obtained from the CRC-990 experimental plots. We collected data on the CRC-990 oil palm agroforestry plot in 6 plots of 40 m × 40 m and 6 plots of 20 m × 20 m. We chose the location and theme of this research because, until now, no research has been conducted yet to calculate the potential carbon absorption capacity and biodiversity level of oil palm agroforestry patterns in B11 plot. This study uses an allometric equation and IPCC guidelines to estimate biomass and carbon sequestration. SNI 8014 is used to evaluate the biodiversity level. This study found that oil palm agroforestry has more significant carbon sequestration. Increasing intercropping in oil palm agroforestry will increase the amount of carbon sequestration. This study also found that oil palm agroforestry has a higher biodiversity level. The species diversity of oil palm agroforestry is moderate, while oil palm monoculture is low. These potential ecological impacts can be considered an initial step in restoring the Harapan Rainforest. It is important to choose appropriate intercrops and proper management to increase the successful implementation of oil palm agroforestry.

Anthromes and forest carbon responses to global change

Societal Impact StatementForest ecosystems absorb and store about 25% of global carbon dioxide emissions annually and are increasingly shaped by human land use and management. Climate change interacts with land use and forest dynamics to influence observed carbon stocks and the strength of the land carbon sink. We show that climate change effects on modeled forest land carbon stocks are strongest in tropical wildlands that have limited human influence. Global forest carbon stocks and carbon sink strength may decline as climate change and anthropogenic influences intensify, with wildland tropical forests, especially in Amazonia, likely being especially vulnerable.Summary Human effects on ecosystems date back thousands of years, and anthropogenic biomes—anthromes—broadly incorporate the effects of human population density and land use on ecosystems. Forests are integral to the global carbon cycle, containing large biomass carbon stocks, yet their responses to land use and climate change are uncertain but critical to informing climate change mitigation strategies, ecosystem management, and Earth system modeling. Using an anthromes perspective and the site locations from the Global Forest Carbon (ForC) Database, we compare intensively used, cultured, and wildland forest lands in tropical and extratropical regions. We summarize recent past (1900‐present) patterns of land use intensification, and we use a feedback analysis of Earth system models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 to estimate the sensitivity of forest carbon stocks to CO2 and temperature change for different anthromes among regions. Modeled global forest carbon stock responses are positive for CO2 increase but neutral to negative for temperature increase. Across anthromes (intensively used, cultured, and wildland forest areas), modeled forest carbon stock responses of temperate and boreal forests are less variable than those of tropical forests. Tropical wildland forest areas appear especially sensitive to CO2 and temperature change, with the negative temperature response highlighting the potential vulnerability of the globally significant carbon stock in tropical forests. The net effect of anthropogenic activities—including land‐use intensification and environmental change and their interactions with natural forest dynamics—will shape future forest carbon stock changes. These interactive effects will likely be strongest in tropical wildlands.

Integrating Environmental and Socioeconomic Factors for a Sustainable Circular Economy in Thailand

This study fills a significant research gap by examining the factors influencing the circular economy in Thailand, particularly within the context of developing countries. Utilizing regression and correlation analysis, we investigate key environmental and socioeconomic variables: greenhouse gas emissions, forest area percentage, income levels among the poorest 20% of the population, access to electricity, and income inequality. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive integration of these dimensions to identify barriers and sustainable circular economy. Key findings reveal that higher greenhouse gas emissions correlate with increased recycling, underscoring the need for stricter emission controls and cleaner technologies. Conversely, greater forest coverage is associated with reduced recycled waste, highlighting the importance of forest conservation and sustainable land use. Economic disparities significantly impact recycling efforts, necessitating supportive policies for lower-income groups. Increased access to electricity correlates with higher waste generation, emphasizing the need for sustainable consumption practices. Although income inequality correlates with recycling rates, it is not a significant predictor, indicating the necessity for broader economic and environmental policies. This study offers novel, comprehensive recommendations for advancing Thailand’s circular economy. Strategies include implementing emission controls, enhancing forest conservation, promoting economic empowerment, encouraging sustainable consumption, and developing integrated policies. These recommendations aim to address identified challenges and support sustainable growth in alignment with circular economy goals.

Wood-living beetle diversity is enriched by surrounding broadleaf forest in a conifer forestry landscape

ContextHumans have drastically changed many of the world’s forests since the industrial revolution, with northern European forests among the most affected. Research is needed on consequent effects on forest biodiversity. Here I focus on the conservation-relevant wood-living beetles. Whilst previous studies have examined the effect of local stand characteristics on beetle diversity, the influence of the surrounding landscape on alpha diversity may potentially be more important.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to judge the influence and scale of effect of four landscape variables (broadleaf forest volume, area of mature forest, area of conservation forest, area of clear-cut) on alpha diversity of wood-living beetles as a whole, and ecological groups reflecting potentially differing dispersal ecologies (fungivores, wood consumers, predators, red-listed species).MethodsThe landscape variables were analyzed at three scales (within 250, 1250 and 2500 m radius) and related to wood-living beetle diversity sampled using flight interception traps in 73 managed and unmanaged forest stands in the conifer forestry dominated hemiboreal landscape of south-central Sweden.ResultsWood-living beetle diversity as a whole was positively associated with broadleaf volume at the 2500 m scale, with a weaker association for fungivore diversity at a varying scale. Surprisingly, both predator diversity (varying scale) and red-listed diversity (2500 m scale) was weakly negatively associated with mature forest.ConclusionsThe results highlight the importance of broadleaf trees for the diversity of saproxylic beetles in conifer-dominated forestry landscapes. Further, research and management should more closely consider contrasting responses between species with potentially differing dispersal ecologies, and at different scales.