Concession Area Research Articles

Evaluation of the impact of wood forest management operations on Amazon nut trees in forest concession areas in the Amazon

The Amazon rainforest holds has immense biodiversity and offers various possibilities for use. Moreover, there is an increasing need for development models that reconcile the rational use of forest resources with socio-economic development. Multiple-use forest management emerges as a legal mechanism for the sustainable use of forest resources. In this context, a forest use system that appears suitable for multiple-use management is one where timber is selectively harvested from forests that are also sources of Brazil nuts. However, the effects of logging management on forests with a high density of Brazil nut trees needs to be studied, as the damage resulting from logging operations on Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl. trees may impact the long-term maintenance of these nut stands. This study aimed to assess the impact of logging operations for timber production on Brazil nut trees to evaluate the compatibility of logging management with the management of native nut stands in a forest concession area in the Amazon. The study was conducted in two National Forests (Jamari and Jacundá) in the state of Rondônia. The damage from cutting and logging operations on the canopy structure of Brazil nut trees was quantified and assessed using photogrammetry with remotely piloted aircraft. The Jamari National Forest showed 4.3% canopy damage to Brazil nut trees, while the Jacundá National Forest showed 3.2% damage. The results indicated that the damage to the canopies of Brazil nut trees due to timber extraction was minimal, suggesting potential compatibility between logging management and the management of native nut stands. However, further studies are needed, especially those focused on planning the collection of Brazil nuts, since access to the nut stands is essential for effectively structuring management, ensuring that the full production potential is sustainably managed and generates income for the extractivists.

Rescue and Translocation of Hispaniola Hutia (Plagiodontia aedium) in Pueblo Viejo, Cotuí Mining Concession Area.

Translocation of species is a common practice used in endangered species management and conservation plans, which can have the purpose of establishing new populations which are at risk of being wiped out, increase a species chance of survival or recovery, and to preserve genetic diversity. The present study details the rescue and relocation process of Hispaniola Hutia (Plagiodontia aedium) in the municipality of Cotuí, Dominican Republic. Data are presented for eight individuals, belonging to two different families, detailing capture methods, handling, reintroduction method, and behavior, as well as data on post-release monitoring for both families. It was found that the most efficient capture method was active capture by hand (6/8). The family groups were heterogeneous, although both families had in common the presence of a single adult male. The average weight of the individuals was 1.19 kg. Blood tests were carried out on the animals before being taken to the holding pens and compared with the values of other rodents, showing that hematic values for P. aedium were like those of another hutia species, Cynomys ludovicianus. During the period animals were held in pens before reintroduction, hutias showed trophic preferences for Clusia rosea and Guarea guidonea. The only supplementary food they consumed was Daucus carota. A fight was observed between members of different families during the acclimation period in the holding pen, between a subadult male and another dominant one, evidencing territorial behavior. Post-release monitoring of the families showed that the selection of habitat for relocation, based on the characterization of active burrows in the area, was successful in one of the two families relocated. One of the families abandoned the selected area for translocation during the monitoring. It is important to note that accurate population data of the targeted population, such as abundance and density, are necessary to guarantee the survival of the translocated animals in the new environment. The reintroduction method used in this study may serve as a baseline for future translocation projects for the species.

Investment Analysis of Public Road Relocation Project within The Mining Concession Area at Pit Gurimbang, Job Site Gurimbang Mine Operation - PT. BC

Investment Analysis of Public Road Relocation Project within The Mining Concession Area at Pit Gurimbang, Job Site Gurimbang Mine Operation - PT. BC

Holistic regulatory framework for distributed generation based on multi-objective optimization

Regulatory changes associated with distributed generation have occurred in several countries (e.g., the USA, Germany, the UK, and Australia). However, there is a lack of robust and holistic analytical models that can be used to implement the best regulatory framework among possible options. In this context, the present paper proposes a cutting-edge regulatory framework for distributed generation based on multi-objective optimization, taking into account socioeconomic (socioeconomic welfare created by the regulated electricity market and electricity tariff affordability) and environmental (global warming potential) indicators. Such indicators are modeled primarily based on the optimized tariff model (socioeconomic regulated electricity market model), Bass diffusion model (forecasting model of distributed generation deployment), and life cycle assessment (environmental impact assessment method). The design variables are assumed to be the regulated electricity tariff and remuneration of the electricity injected into the grid over the years. First, the proposed methodology is applied to fifteen large-scale Brazilian concession areas with a significant deployment of distributed generation assuming two approaches, a multi-compensation scenario, where the compensation is set individually for each concession area, and a single-compensation scenario, where the compensation is set equally for all concession areas. Then, the optimal solutions are compared to Ordinary Law 14300, which is a recently implemented regulatory framework for distributed generation in Brazil. Results demonstrate that Ordinary Law 14300 is a dominated or non-optimal solution since it is not located on the optimal Pareto frontiers for any of the assessed concession areas. Assuming the Euclidian knee points, benefits averaging 33% and 15% were achieved in terms of electricity tariff affordability for the multi and single-compensation scenarios, respectively, with small losses of 8% and 3% in terms of socioeconomic welfare and global warming potential. Though the proposed methodology is applied in the Brazilian context, it can also be applied to other countries with regulated electricity markets; thus, it is expected to be valuable for researchers, government institutions, and regulatory agencies worldwide.

Spatio-Temporal Assessment of Heterogeneity by Logging Intensity in a Federal Concession Area in the Brazilian Amazon

The logging intensity often does not take into account the spatial heterogeneity of the forest volume of commercial native species in the Brazilian Amazon. This study aims to evaluate the spatio-temporal heterogeneity distribution by assessing logging intensity and its effects on the volumetric stock and abundance of commercial species, with a focus on sustainable management practices. This study was conducted in the Saracá-Taquera National Forest in the Brazilian Amazon. Forest inventory data, elevation, and PlanetScope satellite images were integrated into a geographic information system. The information was aggregated into regular 1-hectare cells for the times before, during, and after logging (t0, t1, and t2). The unsupervised classification algorithm k-means with four clusters was used to analyze heterogeneity. Before logging, areas with higher commercial volumes were distant from water bodies, while areas with lower elevation had lower wood stocks. Logging intensity was generally low, concentrating on a few trees per hectare. Logging in the study area revealed a heterogeneous spatial distribution by intensifying in areas with the highest wood stocks. These results suggest that, in addition to the recommended logging intensity according to legislation, forest heterogeneity should be considered by the manager, promoting adaptive strategies to ensure the conservation of forest resources.

Open Source Intelligence as an Approach to Investigating Criminal Events by Journalists (Case Study of the 2019 Forest and Land Fires in the Investigation Report of the Trace of the Geni-Starting Corporation in Tempo Magazine)

Forest and land fires in Indonesia in 2019 reached 1.65 million hectares. Some of the burned areas are included in the concession areas of large corporations. The development of digital forensic studies makes investigations possible. One such method is Open Source Intelligence, which is defined as an intelligence gathering discipline that consists of gathering information from public or open sources and analyzing that information to produce valuable intelligence. The purpose of this research is to determine the use of Open Source Intelligence as an investigative approach used by journalists to uncover the facts of a crime. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with analysis of Digital Forensics theory, Newsmaking Criminology, and Journalism theories to see how Open Source Intelligence opportunities in revealing the facts of the 2019 forest and land fires committed by companies in South Sumatra, West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan.

Assessing vulnerability of peat fire in the Indonesian Peat Hydrological Unit (PHU) areas

Prevention of fires in peatlands must be based on a holistic landscape approach in the Peat Hydrological Unit (PHU), which involves mapping the areas vulnerable to peat fires. This study employed regression modeling, incorporating land cover, soil (peatland), concession area, and tree cover loss, which were linked to hotspots verified by burnt areas derived from datasets obtained from 2015 to 2019. The results of this study in Indonesian PHUs showed that 3.8 million hectares were vulnerable in the high-class area, 12.6 million hectares in the medium-class area, and 7.7 million hectares in the low-class area. The PHU of the Kahayan River-Sebangau River in Central Kalimantan Province was the largest area with high vulnerability to fires (covering an area of 190 thousand hectares). This model was verified using the fire hotspot approach; out of 38 fire spots that occurred from January to June 2023, 33 locations (86.84%) were detected according to the predicted vulnerability of the peat fires category (high and medium class).

PEMODELAN GEOLOGI DAN ESTIMASI SUMBER DAYA BATUBARA DI WILAYAH ‘X’. KABUPATEN BERAU, PROVINSI KALIMANTAN TIMUR

General geological investigation activities and detailed exploration need to be carried out, so that it can show potential coal resources that can still be developed. The research area is in the PT. Berau Coal concession area, administratively located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan Province. The research method used in calculating resources in Region 'X' is the Polygon Method, namely by halving the distance between two sample points on one axis to produce an area of ​​influence and refers to moderate complexity based on analysis of the geological conditions of the research area (SNI 5015:2019). This research aims to determine the feasibility of a coal seam to be mined based on aspects of dimensions, quantity and quality of coal distribution, as well as a reference in design and determining appropriate mining methods based on coal geological modeling. Based on ASTM D388-19 of 2004, the research area has a High Volatile B Bituminous coal ranking with an average calorific value (dmmf) of 13111,01 Btu/lb, ash content 4,7%, total sulfur 0,98%, total moisture 21,28%, inherent moisture 16,66%, volatile matter 48,63%, and fixed carbon 51,37%. The total estimated coal resources in the research area are 14.760.000 million tons, consisting of total measured coal resources of 13.380.000 million tons, indicated 930.000 thousand tons, and inferred 410.000 thousand tons.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Risk Associated with Quarrying Activities in Marksino Concession Area, Akamkpa

This study evaluates the environmental risks of quarrying activities in the Marksino Concession area, Akampka, with a focus on heavy metal contamination of the soil. Soil samples were collected at various distances from the quarry site and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS; PG990) to determine concentrations of lead, chromium, copper, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, arsenic, and zinc. Pollution indices and ecological risk factors were calculated, along with hazard quotients and indices for non-carcinogenic impacts on children and adults. Results indicate that contamination values for all metals were below one, suggesting no significant impact at the sampling points. The geo-accumulation index values also indicated no significant impact for all metals. Furthermore, hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values for all metals were below the permissible value of 1, indicating non-carcinogenic risks for residents. However, children showed higher HI values compared to adults, emphasizing the need for targeted measures to protect this vulnerable group. Continuous monitoring and mitigation efforts are crucial for sustainable quarrying activities and prevention of environmental hazards in the Marksino Concession area.

Mangrove Rehabilitation and Brachyuran Crab Biodiversity in Ranong, Thailand

Mangroves rehabilitated after deforestation by commercial exploitation must be monitored to confirm that key ecosystem functions are being restored. Brachyuran crabs are conspicuous mangrove macrofauna and were selected as potential indicators of ecosystem recovery. A deforested former mangrove charcoal concession area in Ranong was rehabilitated by planting Rhizophora (1994), Bruguiera and Ceriops (1995) seedlings in single-species blocks. A second area, deforested and heavily degraded by tin mining, was rehabilitated with R. mucronata in 1985. Crabs at these sites were compared with those in a mixed-species conservation forest. Timed collections were made in 1999, 2008 and 2019 to compare crab diversity and relative abundance between sites and years. Thirty-three brachyuran crab species were recorded. Fiddler crabs (Austruca triangularis, Tubuca rosea) and the signal crab, Metaplax elegans, were most abundant, followed by sesarmid crabs (15 species). Species composition differed significantly between sites but not between the four planted tree species blocks. We propose Metaplax elegans as an indicator of ecological development in low-lying/newly formed sediments; fiddler crabs as equivalent indicators in young mangrove plantations/open forest habitats; and a diverse sesarmid community to indicate ecological functioning in older plantations/dense forests.

Civil society movement in the protection of the peat ecosystem of Meranti Islands, Riau – Indonesia

In a country’s democratic system, the existence of Civil Society Organizations is indispensable. Civil Society Organizations are sociopolitical institutions that can be used by the community to channel their goals and demands to influence or even shape government policy. In this scenario, Civil Society Organizations can be viewed in two ways, namely sectoral groups and regional groups. Both Groups aim to persuade the government to address issues of public interest in a timely manner. In addition to persuasion, civil society organizations can also carry out advocacy and even file lawsuits against the Government and companies for ecosystem damage. Regarding the issue of peat ecosystem damage, this issue has become a serious issue for the Indonesian government in the last two decades. Damage to peat ecosystems due to illegal encroachment, exploitation for the benefit of plantation companies and brutal conversions have damaged peat ecosystems in Indonesia. Cases of forest and land fires in the last two decades show that management of peat ecosystems is not carried out wisely, the majority of peatland fires occur within company concession areas and very few are due to community activities. Cases of forest and land fires are the most troubling phenomena, especially in Riau this issue even stretches to become a national and transnational issue when the impact of forest and land fires disrupts the activities of citizens of other countries (Singapore and Malaysia). This study analyzes the Meranti Islands civil society movement in protecting the peat ecosystem in the Meranti Islands, in particular, the case of damage to the Meranti Islands peat ecosystem is no longer a secret and needs serious attention from all parties. Various literature suggests that the civil society movement has become a steep road when dealing with authoritarian governments, but after Suharto, this movement has actually become a political force to influence and shape government policy. Likewise with the Meranti Islands civil society movement in efforts to protect the peat ecosystem.

Forest Loss Related to Brazil Nut Production in Non-Timber Forest Product Concessions in a Micro-Watershed in the Peruvian Amazon

Madre de Dios is considered an important center of biodiversity in Peru due to its extensive Amazonian forests. However, the forests are under growing pressure due to land invasion, agricultural expansion, and gold mining. This makes support for forest management very important. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between forest loss, land cover, land-use changes, and Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl) production in forest concessions in the Peruvian Amazon (2004–2020). Remote sensing techniques were used to classify images using the random forest algorithm, which was applied to the Landsat-5 thematic mapper, Landsat-7 enhanced thematic mapper, and Landsat-8 operational land imagery. Brazil nut production data from 2004–2020 was provided by the Regional Forest and Wildlife Service of Madre de Dios. In forest concessions, the forest area decreased continuously over the whole study period (160.11 ha/year). During the same time period, the change in forest cover in the concessions from Brazil nut to other uses was 4681 ha. At the same time, the authorization and extraction of Brazil nuts varied during the study period but did not show a downward trend. We found a significant and inverse relationship between the conversion of forest to agricultural land and Brazil nut production. However, there were insignificant relationships between forest loss, the persistence of agricultural and forest areas, and Brazil nut production. Therefore, despite the forest loss in the forest concession areas, Brazil nut production has not decreased. Production may not be affected because land pressure is higher near access roads, affecting only the areas near the roads rather than the actual areas where the Brazil nut-producing trees are located. Our results showed that nut production in non-timber forest product concessions would be negatively affected by deforestation and forest degradation, but only slightly.

Science in the court: Expert knowledge and forest fires on Indonesia’s plantations

In Indonesia, forest fires inside plantation concession areas often become highly-charged and politically-contested events. In the aftermath of major fires, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry typically commissions expert witnesses to collect the evidence needed to bring companies to court and hold them accountable. Companies also assemble their own expert teams to counter the government’s allegations. Expert witnesses’ expertise, views, and practices are essential in informing court decisions; however, the work of these expert witnesses is under-researched. Drawing on theories of knowledge politics, this study finds that expert witnesses arrange and interpret scientific evidence—sometimes even contradicting widely accepted scientific understandings—to advance their client’s interests. Pro-industry experts have swayed key judicial proceedings, effectively legitimising the commercial plantations sector’s problematic land and fire management practices and minimising the industry’s accountability for their significant socio-ecological impacts.

ANALISIS PERUBAHAN TUTUPAN LAHAN DI AREAL KONSESI IUPHHK-HA PT BINTANG LIMA MAKMUR KABUPATEN MALUKU TENGAH

This study aims to analyze land cover in the concession area of IUPHHK-Ha PT. Bintang Lima Makmur, Analyzing land cover changes in the IUPHHK-Ha concession area of PT. BLM 2010-2020, and Identifying the factors causing land cover changes in the IUPHHK-Ha concession area of PT. BLM. This research uses Landsat 7 ETM satellite imagery in 2010 and Landsat 8 OLI in 2015, 2020 (Path 108, Row 62). Downloaded directly from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) website (https://glovis.usgs.gov/). This study uses a guided classification, the results of land cover classification in 2010, 2015, and 2020 consisting of primary dry land forest, secondary dry land forest, shrubs, dry land mixed bush agriculture, open land, and bodies of water, from 2010 to 2020 the land cover class that experienced the largest change was secondary dryland forest at 25.25%, and the smallest was water bodies at 0.10%, and factors that influence land cover changes, namely; production activities of PT. BLM and also the livelihoods of local residents

Two new species of Travisiidae (Annelida, Sedentaria) from Thailand.

Two new species of Travisiidae, Travisia satunensis sp. nov. and T. thailandensis sp. nov., were collected from different locations in Thailand waters. Travisia satunensis sp. nov. was collected in the Andaman Sea, at 214 m water depths. Travisia thailandensis sp. nov. was collected from offshore petroleum concession areas in the Gulf of Thailand, at 5080 m water depths. Travisia satunensis sp. nov. differs from all other species by having branched annulated branchiae on chaetigers 235, each annulated with a single filament, chaetae throughout the body and pygidium with 10 anal cirri, six digitiform and four short cirri, alternately arranged. Travisia thailandensis sp. nov. differs from all other species by having 21 pairs of cirriform, annulated branchiae from chaetiger 2, a mid-ventral groove along body, two last segments achaetous, and nephridiopores on chaetigers 714. A key for Travisia species from the Indo-Pacific region is also provided.

Analysis of the Impact of Social Forestry in Achieving Conflict Resolution and Sustainable Natural Rubber Management - Case Studies of Social Forestry in Jambi and East Kalimantan

This research focuses on agrarian conflict resolution strategies with an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) approach through Social Forestry in this case with the Forestry Partnership scheme in Jambi HTI concession areas and in East Kalimantan HTI concessions. The purpose of this study is to analyze conflict typologies related to sustainable natural rubber management in Jambi and in East Kalimantan, and conflict resolution strategies with forestry partnership methods as a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution approach. In addition, this study also analyzes the relationship of Social Forestry to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its impact on related parties. The main design of this study uses a qualitative approach. Data collection in this study was carried out through observation techniques, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), in-depth interviews, and secondary data. With purposive sampling techniques to communities who have partnered and who have not partnered with the company and company stakeholders. The results showed that agrarian conflicts in East Kalimantan and Jambi were relatively the same but with different scales, with the main problem most often encountered being land disputes between companies holding concession permits and communities that have had success in land management. The approach used by the company in conflict resolution is through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) through the Social Forestry program under the Forestry Partnership scheme. Social forestry under the Forestry Partnership scheme has important significance and is relatively acceptable to the parties. The main impact of the Forestry Partnership is a reduction in conflict pressure between the two sides, stability in business and improved livelihoods for the community.

Multiple distribution networks hosting capacity assessment using a stochastic approach

The stochastic approach is applied to an entire concession area with 1264-LV distribution networks to estimate the hosting capacity. About 15 000-customers are connected to the individual secondary distribution networks supplied through 48-medium voltage 10 kV radial feeders.The hosting capacity assessment uses the end-customer voltage magnitude rise and transformer thermal overload. The hosting capacity is estimated by applying the “stochastic mixed aleatory-epistemic method” to determine the voltage magnitude rise and load flow with solar PV. The minimum power consumption is compared with the solar PV power infeed through the individual transformers.The hosting capacity estimation is done for three-phase connected solar PV sizes from 3 to 18 kW. At moderate PV penetration (25%–50%), the results showed that overvoltage would limit the hosting capacity more often than overload, but it becomes an issue only for LV networks studied with more than 8-customers. Considering all LV networks, most of the customers could install 6 kWp. Even when installing PV systems of 18 kWp (about twice the average size today and about the maximum area of a typical residential roof), two-thirds of houses would not need an upgrade to withstand SS-EN 50160 voltage limits. The latter customers can connect solar PV units with 18 kWp size without overvoltage or overload issues.

Identification of Permeable Structures and Heat Source in the Geothermal Working Area of Galunggung Volcano and the Heat Source Connectivity to the Karaha-Cakrabuana Area Using Gravity Data

Galunggung volcano area is a geothermal concession area that adjacent with Karaha-Cakrabuana concession area with a distance around 1 km. Indonesian Government planning to build power plant in 2025 so additional research needed to support the plan. Gravity survey could help in identifying permeable structure (fault) as well as heat source to a certain depth. The results of data processing showed the presence of faults seen on the FHD, SVD, and ABL residual maps, while for heat sources it was shown from the closed contour patterns on the ABL, residual, and regional maps. Derivative analysis in strengthens the position and type of fault from the match between the maximum FHD value and zero SVD value. From these results, identified the existence of three faults in the study area and were all identified as normal faults. 3D modelling gave a picture of density contrast in research area. From the section profile that pass through Galunggung and Telaga Bodas crater, heat source was interpreted as density with value 2.8 – 3.0 gr/cm3 and marked by orange to red color that coincide below Galunggung crater and continoued to Talaga Bodas crater at depths below -3000 masl. This indicate that both concession area was connected.

Pathfinder elements and indicator minerals of Au from the Kubi Gold ore deposits in Ghana

The Au mineralization in the Kubi Gold Mining Area in the Birimian of Ghana is associated with garnet (about 85 vol.%), magnetite, pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, and sulfide minerals, as well as quartz with gold and calcite. These minerals and the included elements can act as indicator minerals or pathfinder elements. For the present work, we collected samples from drill holes at different depths, from the alluvial zone (0–45 m) to the ore zone (75–100 m). The distributions of minerals and elements in the rocks that act as indicator minerals and pathfinder elements in the concession area were investigated along the drill hole cross sections. X-ray diffraction shows that the samples contain garnet, pyrite, periclase, and quartz as the main indicator minerals. By energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fe, Mg, Al, S, O, Mn, Na, Cu, Si, and K are identified as corresponding pathfinder elements. The results indicate that the Au mineralization in the Kubi Mine area correlates mostly with the occurrence of garnet, pyrite, goethite, and kaolinite in the host rocks, which show towards the surface increasingly hematitic and limonitic alteration in form of Fe(oxy-)hydroxides.

LEGAL REFLECTION ON SPURRING WILDLIFE INVESTMENTS WHILST EMBRACING WILD ANIMALS CONSERVATION IN TANZANIA

Tanzania is diversifying wildlife investments. The Special Wildlife Investment Concession Area, (the SWICA) is set aside. The regulations to achieve the purpose are in place.The regulations enlighten on the procedures of carrying out investments within the SWICA. This paper reviewson this new investment schemewhether itwill spare the ecosystem, specifically, the safety and survival of wild animals.The invited investments activities connote disturbance on the lives of wild animals. This paper observes that, the cumulative promulgation of the regulations threatens the life of wild animals. The apprehension of ecosystem disturbances in the SWICA is too wide to connote probable security on the lives of wild animals. Moreover, the avenues for some actors to excises their wisdom, aside of the regulations may invite unnecessary difficulties between the investors and the authority. Lastly, wild animals are likely to suffer a significant prejudice if investments in the SWICAs get through.